Redditch Arrows

Redditch Arrows
Established1986
Based inRedditch/Birmingham
Home stadiumKings Norton Rugby Club
Division titles9 (2004, 2000, 1998, 1996, 1995, 1993, 1990, 1989, 1987)
Current uniform

The Redditch Arrows were an American Football team based initially in Redditch and later in Birmingham, United Kingdom. They were formed in 1986[1] and disbanded in 2009.

History

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The Arrows were established in early 1986. During the late 1980s, they played in three different leagues; the UKAFL, the Budweiser League and then BNGL, during which they made the playoffs twice. In 1989, after a playoff run, they reached the BNGL Premier Division Bowl Game, where they lost to the Kingston Thames Pirates, who were in their debut season, 66-8.[2] During this time, they played their home games at the Abbey Stadium in Redditch.

After a down period, punctuated by being unable to compete in 1992 due to a player shortage, they reached the BAFL Division 3 final, where they lost to the Winchester Rifles. After again making the playoffs in 2000, they were promoted to Division One.

Finished with a creditable 3-5-0 record in 2001. Had a poor 2002 season finishing with a 0-9-1 record which resulted in them returning to Division Two in 2003, where they finished with a 4-6-0 record. Had a stunning regular season in 2004 finishing 9-0-1, but fell at the first hurdle in the playoffs in a thriller to Sussex Thunder 23-22. In the 2000s, the Arrows played their home games at Kings Norton RFC.[3]

Notable former players

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All players listed below appeared for the Redditch Arrows during their career.[4][5][6]

  • QB Dave Stanton United Kingdom
  • RB Anthony Perkins United Kingdom
  • RB Charles Humphrey United Kingdom
  • RB Dave Mills United Kingdom
  • WR Mark Cohen United Kingdom
  • OL/DE Matt Sheldon United Kingdom
  • DB Mark Williams United Kingdom
  • OL Gary Matthews United Kingdom
  • OL David Robinson United Kingdom
  • FL Darren Biddle United Kingdom.
  • FS Karl Watkins🇬🇧
  • WR Pete Morgan 🇬🇧
  • LB Rich “Elmo” Wilby 🇬🇧

Notable Former Coaches

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Season by Season record

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Year Division Record
2008 BAFL Division One Northern Conference 7–2–1*
2007 BAFL Division One Northern Conference 8–2–0*
2006 BAFL Division Two Central Conference 10–0–0*
2005 BAFL Division Two South Western Conference 4–6–0
2004 BSL Division Two South Western Conference 9–0–1*
2003 BSL Division Two South Western Conference 4–6–0
2002 BSL Division One Northern Conference 0–9–1
2001 BSL Division One Northern Conference 3–5–0
2000 BSL Division Two Northern Conference 7–1–0*
1999 BSL Division One Northern Conference 4–6–0*
1998 BSL Division Two North West Conference 8–2–0*
1997 BSL Division One South West & Midlands Conference 2–8–0
1996 BSL Division Three Midlands Conference 10–0–0*
1995 BAFA Division Three North West Conference 7–1–0*
1994 BAFA Division Three Northern Conference 6–3–1*
1993 BNGL First Division West Midlands Conference 9–1–0*
1992 NDMA Division Two Northern Conference 0–8–0
1991 NDMA Division Two Northern Conference 3-6-1
1990 BNGL National Division Midlands Conference 9–0–1*
1989 BNGL Premier Division Northern C Conference 7–2–1*
1988 Budweiser League Division One Central Conference 3–7–0
1987 UKAFL Central A Conference 9–1–0*
* qualified for playoffs

Notes

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  1. ^ Britball Now - Redditch Arrows
  2. ^ Britball Now Kingston Thames Pirates
  3. ^ Britball Now Redditch Arrows
  4. ^ "Senior Team Staff Complete As Coach Hill Appoints More Britball Legends". Archived from the original on 2015-05-18. Retrieved 2015-05-07.
  5. ^ Britball Now Redditch Arrows
  6. ^ Britball Now Mark Cohen Interview
  7. ^ "Bulls appoint Coach Ian Hill". Archived from the original on 2015-04-18. Retrieved 2015-05-07.
  8. ^ Redditch Arrows back in training
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