Sheffield Giants Homecoming Programme | vs Birmingham Bulls | 2nd July 2023

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coach

19 coaches & staff

20 coaches spotlight

22 around the club

24 Under 19s focus

26 under 19s roster

28 giants in the community

Match day Program

PRODUCED BY: Unit Digital

EDITED BY: Unit Digital, Matt Flynn & Kyle Tranter

DESIGN BY: Unit Digital & Kyle Tranter

CONTRIBUTORS: Coaches, Players & Committee Members of the Sheffield Giants

PHOTOGRAPHY: Dave Tidswell

OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY: Scott Thomson

Words from the head coach Matt Flynn

Welcome to Sheffield for our Homecoming event. Not only are the Giants coming home after their longest away trip of the season, but it’s also the first time this season that we’ve had the pleasure of sharing our home field with the U19 players. As part of our rebuild it’s especially important to me to bring the whole club together at all levels, and today gives us an excellent opportunity to come together with the Academy and put on a show as a club, spotlighting the very best of our future generation along the way.

Last time out at home we took a victory against a dogged Sandwell Team, winning 31-16 after knuckling down in the 4th quarter to keep hold of the lead, we had held all game, after Sandwell brought the game to within 8 points late on. That game proved that it is never easy and that we will always need to draw on our entire squad to get the job done. Whilst it would have been nice to ride into a 50-0 lead, that’s not how football works and we had to grind out the win. And grind we did though, because that’s what this Team is all about.

Today we face the Birmingham Bulls and are looking to avenge our rather bizarre defeat on the road. We lost that game 03-07 and I think we could have played the game 100 times over and scored at least one touchdown every time. But it’s the game that was played that counts, and that’s the one that will fuel us today. Now we’re looking forward to welcoming all our fans, family members, and alumni to Homecoming - we’re going to put on a great show and then hopefully you’ll all join us to celebrate a hard fought victory afterwards in Shakespeares.

sheffield giants - 31 sandwell steelers - 16

Game Report

In what was the second game in two weeks, and two of a four week stretch, the Sheffield Giants followed up the close 03-07 loss to the Birmingham Bulls with a home game against the Sandwell Steelers.

The first three possessions of the game, from both sides, were great defensive stands as the two offenses traded punts back and forth. As the Giants offense gained their rhythm though the points started to come and with touchdowns from Josh Allen (2) and Scott Spearink, the Giants took a comfortable 18-3 lead into the half time break.

Following the break and an excellent defensive score - with Joseph Wallis grabbing the interception and returning it all the way for a touchdown - the game looked to have been put to bed. That wasn’t to be the case though and Sandwell fought back well to bring the game to 24-16 and within a single score as the game went into the fourth quarter.

The Giants flipped a switch and marched straight down the field - with the Offensive Line creating running lanes that led to 8.2 yards per run!stretching their lead to 31-16 with a

touchdown from Ethan Webster, and with Scott Spearink nailing the extra point. The defence then returned to the field but gave up no yardage and forced the clock to run out.

The game against the Steelers was followed by a long road trip to the Chester Romans before attention turns to today’s Homecoming as the Giants go full circle and take on the Birmingham Bulls again.

Team Captains

Jack Ramsden Defensive Line

Josh Allen Quarterback

Luke spooner Wide receiver

Matthew ‘McFly’ Sherridan Defensive Back

PLAYER spotlight

Lewis Bowman - Safety

How did you first get into football then Lewis?

I think my earliest memory of football is watching Devin Hester kick and punt return montages in school IT classes instead of doing work. To this day I’m in awe of the guy.

And what brought you to the Giants?

I’d been playing rugby for years and fell out of love with the sport. Postlockdown, I stepped away from rugby to explore new activities. After trying a few different options, nothing quite hooked me. I thought, let me give football a go. My first session with the Giants was great, everyone was welcoming and I immediately felt like I belonged. I became hooked.

You’ve not been playing too long then. How does this year feel different to your first few?

The energy. We recruited well this year, the energy around the team is exciting and is providing a solid platform for us to build on. There is competition for starting spots, people are stepping up. It’s great to see people grow in confidence each week on and off the field, it’s a nurturing environment that provides enough challenge so we’re always improving.

That sounds great. How’s the season going for you personally?

On the whole, it’s been an okay personal season, it feels like I’m still in second gear and have a lot more to give. It’s

been a bit stop-start, missing a couple of games meant I’ve not found my rhythm. Hopefully, I’m back from this rib injury [sustained in the game away at Birmingham] asap and can bring some more heat to our secondary.

And any overall highlights. From this year or previous ones?

My two highlights would be the home game against Edinburgh last year getting 2 picks and returning a kickoff to the house. I felt electric all game. My other highlight has been the growth of the DB group, we’re a great group and everyone in there is a solid player albeit with some questionable joke-telling ability.

So you contribute a lot on Special Teams, but you’re a starter on defence too. How do you find working with Coach Eli?

Eli is a great, knowledgeable guy and always happy to help you learn. He knows what he wants yet is open to adjusting schemes and coverages on game days if things aren’t going the way we planned. He’s helped develop my game a lot

And Coach Calvert is a new coach with the DBs this year. What’s it been like to work with him?

Calvert again is another great person to have in your corner. A really approachable and down-to-earth coach but isn’t afraid to push you out of your comfort zone. All the DBs have progressed this year and Calvert has played a big part in this.

You’ve also been selected for the GB squad and joined up with them last week. What’s it like being involved with that program?

I’m very privileged to be a part of such a solid set-up and compete with and against the best ballers in the UK. Everyone in that GB environment is a fountain of knowledge and I am a sponge absorbing as much learning as possible. It’s a step up in intensity but it’s a realistic goal for some of the players in our squad. I’d like to see more Giants in the mix moving forward.

Now we’re looking ahead to Birmingham at home. Thoughts on the game?

After a long slog of games, it’s our homecoming and time to show what real Sheffield Football is all about. The last time we played against Birmingham we didn’t perform and the result reflected that. We need to win and put a show on for the people

Away from football then, what does Lewis Bowman get up to?

My day job involves working with charities and communities to address the different inequalities and systemic issues people face in Sheffield and South Yorkshire. Outside of work I campaign for a more just society like better rights for renters. When I’m not trying to destroy the patriarchy, I’m either out at music events, in the gym or practicing my downward dog.

Finally, tell us something that the fans, and probably even your teammates, might not know.

Hmmm, this feels like an awkward icebreaker in a training session. I think not many people know I write poetry, I try to write a daily haiku about what’s happened that day. I played for Jamaica Rugby League at the Youth Commonwealth games and I can touch my nose with my tongue.

player info

Name: Lewis Bowman

Position: Safety

Number: 25

University/College Team: N/A

Years Playing: 2 (including 2023)

Giants Playing Debut: 2022 versus Manchester Titans

Favourite NFL Team: Atlanta Falcons

COACHES & STAFF

Head Coach

FLYNN, Matt Head Coach

Coordinator

LILLEY, Adam

MARSDEN, Anthony

Positional Coach

MONAGHAN, Oli

MAGEE, Dan

HARDY, Jacob

VICKERS, Oscar

CALVERT, Sam

CARVALHO, Fernando

Assistant Coach

SKEATES, Luke

MULLINAR, Tim

TANNER, James

SHERRIDAN, Matthew

GORMLEY, Shannon

ROWLEY, Dave

Staff

LOCKHART, Ric

DYSON, Jack

TIDSWELL, Dave

THOMSON, Scott

Offensive Coordinator

Defensive Coordinator

Offensive Line Coach

Wide Receivers Coach

Quaterbacks Coach

Defensive Line Coach

Defensive Backs Coach

Linebackers Coach

Adult Team Committee

MOXON, Tom

BERRY, Adam

RUDD, Chloe

TRANTER Kyle

MCCALLUM, Zoe

FLYNN, Verity

RAMSDEN, Emma

GORMLEY, Shannon

TANNER, James

RAMSDEN, Jack

General Manager

Sponsor & Facilities Officer

Digital & Media Officer

Marketing & Comms Officer

Finance Officer

Academy & Community

Engagement Officer

Gameday, Roster & Social Officer

Welfare Officer

Equipment Officer

Player Liaison Officer

Offensive Line

Running Backs Quarterbacks

Defensive Backs

Linebackers

Linebackers & Special Teams

Head Physio

Team Statistician

Team Photographer

Team Photographer

Coach spotlight

Coach Rowley - Linebackers & Special Teams Coach

So - American Football. How did you discover the sport?

This shows my age! I got into it the first season it was shown in the UK. It was the ‘85 Bears season. My Dad and Uncle had started watching the NFL and introduced me to the sport, I was instantly hooked! My Dad and I then used to watch the highlights together on a Monday night, right up until I left home for University .

And what attracted you to coaching football?

I enjoy coaching and supporting my team at work to get the best out of themselves. I wanted to use some of those skills in a sporting sense and was looking for something new. My Dad and eldest daughter encouraged me to try coaching football after watching me call a few plays on a Green Bay Packers game.

So why the Sheffield Giants?

After deciding to get into coaching, I was looking for a local team to get involved with. Looking back now it was a bold move considering my involvement had only ever been in an armchair! I am grateful that [previous Head Coach] Toby Chesters was happy to bring me in and give me a shot, it’s been a great experience.

And how are you finding the rebuild this year?

The success we’ve had with recruitment has brought with it a different energy. It’s exciting to see so many new players all the way from the university guys to players returning after a break to those who’ve joined having never played. Everyone has contributed to making it a fun environment where everyone’s development is supported.

How is this season going for you personally?

I’m having a lot of fun. My knowledge is continuously expanding and I am developing as a coach, having just submitted my BAFCA Level 1. We have a nice blend of new guys and returners in the Linebackers, they are a great bunch and as individuals and as a unit, they are getting better week by week.

And you have Eli overseeing the defence. How do you find working with him?

Eli just has a football brain. Just being around him means I pick up stuff, whether its technique, drills or scheme. He’s also been supportive along with Nando [Coach Carvalho, Linebackers] in getting me involved and pushing my development. I learn better by doing so that’s great for me.

This year you’ve also taken on some Special Teams responsibility too. That’s a whole different game! Tell us about that. Having responsibility for an element of the game that gets overlooked but can make a big difference has been exhilarating. Every time we kick off, I get nervous and excited, as I know we have the ability to pin teams back and reduce the likelihood of them scoring. As the season goes on, it’s been amazing to see the group develop as a unit and individuals showing that hunger to be involved.

Do you have any standout moments, as a player or a coach?

There’s quite a few actually, but Edinburgh Away last year stands out. It was a really long day but a brilliant experience. Sadly we lost the game right at the end but it was a good performance. The trip on the way home was a big laugh with rookie performances, including my own!

Away from coaching, you’re also involved in Giants Flag. Can you tell us about that? With coaching you’re looking out for a unit and adapting your style and messaging to connect with your guys. Once they are in the field, your ability to influence is massively reduced which can be hard. Playing Flag is simpler in that I can just focus on my responsibilities on the pitch. It’s a lot of fun and there’s a great atmosphere in what’s a relatively new team. I’ve had so much fun, my eldest daughter joined the U14’s at the start of the year and is also loving it. Looking ahead to the game against Birmingham. How are you feeling?

It was a grueling match in Birmingham, it was physical and longer than usual due to the much needed water breaks . We came away frustrated at our performance and know we can do better. I believe we will step up and put on a big performance against them at home.

Stepping away from the field, what do you get up to when you’re not coaching or playing Flag?

I enjoy spending time with my family, often watching movies or planning a holiday. I’m also into board sports- snowboarding, surfing and paddle-boarding, so I try to find opportunities to do them whenever I can.

Finally, tell us something about you that fans of the Giants won’t know.

I’m battery powered! I got a permanent pacemaker 5 years ago which wasn’t planned. It’s actually helped me to reflect and be grateful for the life I have. I’ve always tried to do exciting stuff but I’m even more inclined to do so now. Carpe diem!

coach info

Name: Dave Rowley

Favourite NFL Team: Green Bay Packers

COACHING:

Unit: Linebackers / Special Teams-Kick Off

University or College: N/A

Years Coaching: 2

Giants Coaching Debut: 2022 versus Manchester Titans

PLAYING (FLAG): Position: Cornerback

Number: 21

University/College Team: N/A

Years Playing: 2

Giants Playing Debut: 2022 versus Rotherham Roosters

Around the club

Academy

The Sheffield Giants American Football Academy has a place for everyone to enjoy the sport; from age 7 to 19, any gender, any size, and any ability.

The Academy offers both contact and non-contact versions of the sport in inclusive, supportive, and most importantly fun teams. All of these are run by experienced and committed coaches every Saturday morning at our Mosborough Training Ground (S20 5AQ).

ADULT FLAG

The Sheffield Giants Adult Flag teams allow adults to play non-contact football in Sheffield. There’s no previous experience or talent required to join the Women’s or Mixed teams, who compete in tournaments / leagues against teams based all across the UK.

The Giants Mixed Flag Team has already begun their preparations for the 2023 season, training every Sunday at Hillsborough College, but it’s not too late to get involved. The Giants Women’s Flag Team begins their training later in the year and practices at the Mosborough Training Ground.

In Sheffield, We Fight: The history and progression of the U19 Sheffield Giants

Initially created in 2019, the U19 Sheffield Giants were formed under the guidance of Ted Faulkner, the Head Coach and a key role model for these 16–19-year-olds. When I spoke to Ted I asked: “How have the Sheffield Giants helped you develop as a leader and role model” and he responded with:

“When we started. I had no idea what I was doing. It’s been 5 years of trial, error, and listening to other coaches and other players. I understand that everyone in this sport needs time to develop. . .I think this concept is a key idea in the Giants”

Ted’s responsibilities as Head Coach include delegating his coaching duties to his Offensive and Defensive Coordinators, Paul Salmon, and Phillip Jarrett. Paul combines innovative passing attacks with north-to-south running plays whereas Phil takes Sheffield’s ‘Steel City’ mentality to eleven and prides himself on his players being the hardest players on the field. This coaching staff, along with its many assistant coaches and parent volunteers, combine to make a program which hasn’t seen a losing record in its 4-year history.

An organisation cannot exist without its players and the U19 Sheffield Giants have a high quality and quantity of players. 4 ex-Giants are now at the NFL academy in Loughborough: Beverage Ekpolomo (Defensive Back), Ben Lax (Wide Receiver), Bitanga Kalyata (Defensive Back) and Daniel Akinkunmi (Offensive Line), with the latter of those having over 20 offers from D1 schools in North America. Whilst some talent has left Sheffield over the years, plenty remains training week in and week out in Mosborough. U19 captain Natty Peck has been

paul Salmon Offensive Coach

Ted Faulker head Coach

Phil Jarrett deffensive coach

playing at the Academy since 2020 and when I asked him “How have the Sheffield Giants helped you develop as a player?” he responded:

“The Giants taught me everything I know. They have also developed players as people too, making us better individuals as well as athletes”

Sheffield have also been heavily represented on an international stage as many players have represented the GB Lions with the most recent of those being James Eaton (also a defensive captain this season). I asked James “How proud were you to be named team captain” and James responded:

“I felt extremely proud to be named team captain. I also felt honoured that the coaches felt they could put their trust in me and lead the team”.

The Giants are 1-2 on the season after a difficult loss to the Nottingham Caesars in the season opener, followed by a statement win against the Tamworth Phoenix and finally a tricky away performance against the Birmingham Lions where many players were missing due to academic commitments. Sheffield looks to bounce back and put their record to 2-2 in a crucial grudge match against the Tamworth Phoenix at Homecoming.

Daniel Akinkunmi

GIANTS IN THE COMMUNITY

Earlier this season the players and coaches of the Sheffield Giants kicked off their programme of community and charity work by supporting one of our Sponsors – Firehouse Fitness – in an event to raise awareness of, and funds for, the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity.

The event involved 24 hours of fitness classes and the Giants were on site from beginning to end, with players joining a number of classes throughout the day. The classes were intense and draining but the Giants turned out in numbers, even with practice on the same day, and pushed

themselves to the limits. Some players pushed beyond the limits with consecutive classes, classes in full kit (!), and classes in the early hours of the morning.

The money raised supports specialist treatment from head to toe by funding life-saving equipment, new facilities, a comfortable environment, and vital research which changes paediatric care for thousands of children from across the world.