Crewe Railroaders

Crewe Railroaders
Team logo
Established1984; 40 years ago (1984)
Based inCrewe
Head coachSimon Richards
LeagueBAFA National Leagues
DivisionNFC 2 West
Nickname(s)Railroaders
Division titles1988 BNGL Midlands Div 1985 UKAFA Central Div
Current uniform
Helmet
Left arm Body Right arm
Trousers
Socks
Home

The Crewe Railroaders are an American football team based in Crewe, Cheshire, England, founded in 1984. They play in NFC 2 West of the BAFA National Leagues.[1] The team resumed playing competitive games in 2012, having reformed in 2010 after folding in 1990.[2]

History

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The Crewe Railroaders were formed in November 1984 by Gary Delaney.[3] The team competed with the Hereford Chargers and took part in the first season of American Football in Great Britain. The Railroaders were crowned inaugural Central Division Champions with a record of 5-2-1.[4]

The team was renamed to Railroaders '89 under Kevin Randle. They won the 1989 season with a 5-4-1 record. 1990 was the Railroaders final season. The team lost with a record of 3-7-0.[5]

The team collapsed in 1993 and later re-formed in 2010.[2] The team had around 200 registered members before it folded.[6]

In 2010, former Railroaders got together and agreed that Crewe needed an American Football team again. These veterans were quickly joined by some newer players after a recruitment drive[7] and a "rookie day" were held.[8] At the start of 2015 the club welcomed over 40 players for their first training session of the year.[9]

The team is the subject of a film called Gridiron UK,[10] the screenplay of which was written by team founder, coach and player Gary Delaney.[11][12] The film premiered in September 2016.[13]

In 2021 the team lost all games they played[14] and in 2023 the team finished 0-8 in the NFC 2West division.[15] The club dropped to associate status in March 2024 [16]

References

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  1. ^ "Crewe Railroaders - UK American Football Live | TeamStats". www.teamstats.net. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  2. ^ a b Morse, Peter (11 January 2012). "American Football: Crewe Railroaders rejoice at big league return". crewechronicle. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  3. ^ Griffiths, Gwyn (17 January 2022). "Films in Crewe: the story of an American Football team and a dystopian street race". Crewe Nub News. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  4. ^ "Cougarball - Programmes". www.leedscougars.co.uk. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  5. ^ "CREWE RAILROADERS". www.britballnow.co.uk. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  6. ^ Live, Cheshire (19 September 2006). "Movie magic needs former players' help". Cheshire Live. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  7. ^ Cooke, Rhiannon (17 August 2011). "American footballers wanted for Crewe team". Crewe Chronicle. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
  8. ^ Morse, Peter (22 February 2012). "American Football: Crewe Railroaders offer enthusiasts rookie chance". Crewe Chronicle. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
  9. ^ "Crewe Railroaders American Football return to action". 9 January 2015.
  10. ^ "Crewe Railroaders to hit the silver screen". Great British Life. 11 April 2011. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  11. ^ "Movie crew touches down seeking help". The Sentinel. 24 July 2009. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
  12. ^ Ryan, Belinda (26 January 2011). "Crewe filmmaker waiting to hear from Hollywood superstar". Crewe Chronicle. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
  13. ^ Ellams, Barry (30 September 2016). "Gridiron UK movie premiere in Crewe theatre". crewechronicle. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  14. ^ Griffiths, Gwyn (4 September 2022). "American Football: Crewe Railroaders plan recruitment drive after a season of improvement". Crewe Nub News. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  15. ^ "BAFA ADULT CONTACT 2023 SEASON". BAFA Adult Contact. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
  16. ^ {{|URL=https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ny3FwIaQK/?igsh=MTV3dzRycWQ1MzFkeA==%7Clanguage=en}}
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