Sheffield Giants Gameday Program | vs Sandwell Steelers | 18th June 2023

Game day VS

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Table of Contents

4 Head coach

6 Standings

8 schedule & game report

12 player roster

14 team captains

16 player interview

19 coaches & staff

20 coaches interview

22 around the club

25 giants in the community

27 next game

Match day Program

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

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Words from the head coach

Matt Flynn

Welcome back to Norton for our second home game of the season. It feels like an age now since our last home game, and what a journey we’ve been on in that time. From the difficulties of Northants and the big loss at Nottingham, nobody knew what to expect when we hosted the Caesars and we came away extremely disappointed not to get the win in the end. We did get our victory at Sandwell and it was overdue, but then of course last week’s result was a real punch to the gut. To only put 3 points on the board is tough, but I’d also say that on balance if we’d won the game 3-0 it would have been a deserved win. Football, eh?

Since I last wrote we’ve also had two huge off the field charity events, raising funds for Sheffield Children’s Hospital and St John Ambulance. Both great causes of course and we were happy to help, but I was mostly pleased to see the players and coaches of the Giants out in numbers at both events working with the community.

The focus now though is back to football and getting our 2nd win of the season today is the plan and we hope to give all our fans a great game to watch, and the Steelers a really tough day. Coach Astley is building an exceptional program and, having come down from the Premiership last season, I know that it isn’t going to be an easy day. I feel like we’ve prepared well though and we’re aiming for nothing less than coming back to Norton on July 2nd looking to go 4-4.

sheffield giants - 03

birhimgham bulls - 07

Sheffield giants - 33

Sandwell steelers - 08

Game Report

Following the hard-fought battle against the Caesars of Nottingham, the Sheffield Giants embarked on a two-game road trip through the West Midlands. The Sandwell Steelers were the first stop, followed by a short drive over to play the Birmingham Bulls.

Sandwell and Sheffield had faced each other twice in the 2022 season with the Giants coming out on top in both games.

Sheffield’s Offense set the tone for the afternoon. Their opening drive started in the Giants’ own Redzone and in 13 plays, finished with Barron Abrahams running into Sandwell’s endzone for a touchdown.

The Giants defence was equally as aggressive by forcing and recovering a fumble on their opening drive. Sheffield recovered two more fumbles during the game to further frustrate the Steelers’ offensive attempts.

At full time, the scoreboard showed 33-8 to the Sheffield Giants recording their first win of the season.

Unlike the success in Sandwell, the Giants’ trip to Birmingham was a much more defensively focused affair. Sheffield forced the Bulls to earn every yard in their meeting by restricting their offense to a handful of plays before having to punt the ball back.

On offense, the Giants struggled to convert their opportunities into Touchdowns. Whilst Abrahams and Ethan Webster had both created over 70 yards each on the day, the only Sheffield points came from a 25-yard field goal from Scott Spearink.

Late in the fourth quarter, following a huge 50 yard run from the Bulls, Sheffield conceded the only touchdown of the game which left the final score 7-3 to the Birmingham Bulls.

Sheffield travel home to host the Sandwell Steelers on the 18th of June, in their second of four back-to-back games.

player roster

N Name Pos

OFFENSIVE LINE

- ADAMIDIS, Marios OL

N Name Pos

- BENNETT, Luke WR

- CHARLON, Iago Castro WR

-

25

Lewis DB 39 EANSWORTH, Jacob DB 13 GATCHALIAN, Nathaniel DB

24 GOODMAN, Luke DB

- HEATH, Casey DB

- HILL, Jacob DB

- HIRD, Shaun DB

33 JAMES, Lewis DB

7 KLUMB, Lucas DB

27 MCDOOL, Joshua DB

- PARKINSON, Peter DB

- ROBSON, Ben DB

Eddie DB

- YELLEN, Tom LB

- BROCK, Levi OL

- BURTON, Henry OL

72 COOPER, Christopher OL

77 FROGGATT, Joseph OL

- KARLIK, Ahmet OL

73 MCCALLUM, Michael OL

- MOSLEY, Bram OL

- ROBINSON, Luke OL

57 TANNER, James OL

- THOMPSON, Alex OL

QUATERBACK

32 ALLEN. Josh QB

15 SAGIR, Samad QB

RUNNING BACK

- ABRAHAMS, Barron RB

- HAQUE, Rahat RB

22 JAMES, Antony RB

28 O’NEILL, Harry RB

- ODUNUKAN, Tomi RB

31 SLINGSBY, Anthony RB

21 SPEARINK, Scott RB

WIDE RECIEVER

- HEALEY, Daniel WR

- AKPAN, Daniel WR

- ANCEY-TAYLOR, Ben WR

84 DOLAN, Tom WR

- HUMBERSTONE, Josh WR

- HUXLEY, Ben WR

23 JOHNSON, Matthew WR

- KNEE-ROBINSON, Michael WR

- NG, Aka WR

- ROBERTSON, William WR

11 SINGH, Rajkieren WR

87 SPOONER, Luke WR

18 THOMPSON, Johnathan WR

- TODD, Alex WR

10 WEBSTER, Ethan WR

- WILSON, Darren WR

SPECIALS

4 TRANTER, Kyle K

Team Captains

Jack Ramsden Defensive Line

Josh Allen Quarterback Luke spooner Wide receiver

Matthew ‘McFly’ Sherridan Defensive Back

PLAYER spotlight

How did you first get into football then Josh?

I started playing the Madden video game as a teenager and it quickly became an obsession. I began looking for a team so I could give it a go myself and found the Sheffield Tomahawks [the Junior side at the time]. It was a two hour round trip but I managed to convince my parents to drive me and have been hooked ever since.

And what brought you to the Giants?

During my final year with the Sheffield Tomahawks my coach, Richard Batty, convinced me to carry on playing and join the adult team. I was pretty nervous about moving up but the guys were really supportive and welcoming. We went on to win the Division 2 Championship that year and had a lot of fun along the way.

You’ve been involved for a long time then

What has been your highlight across the years?

The Division 2 Championship in 2012 was probably the most exciting game I’ve played in. We were down by multiple scores in the 3rd quarter when a thunderstorm stopped play for a while. When we came back out we were a different team, everyone was full of energy. We leveled the score and won the game in overtime.

And what do you like about the Giants this year?

The committee and coaches did a great job with recruitment over the off-season

so we’ve got a lot of new, young players on the team which brings a good energy to practice and game days.

You also changed positions, and to Quarterback no less! Tell us about that . It certainly hasn’t been easy but I’m enjoying the challenge. I’ve spent years relying on my legs and now I’m having to use my head! I’ve wanted to give QB a good go for years and appreciate the coaches giving me a chance.

Speaking of coaches, how is it working with Jacob Hardy?

Coach Hardy has the patience of a saint! Trying to undo a decade of terrible throwing mechanics isn’t easy but he’s doing a great job. I’ve definitely seen improvements in the way I throw compared to previous years. He brings a lot of knowledge from his playing years so it’s great to tap into that whenever I’m unsure about something.

And how are you finding Coach Lilley and his offensive scheme?

Coach Lilley really knows his football but is kind enough not to overcomplicate things for me! We spent many years playing alongside each other so he knows my strengths and weaknesses and does his best to work around them.

Last week was tough but let’s look ahead. What are your thoughts on the Sandwell game?

Sandwell have some talented players and

certainly didn’t make it easy for us last time. We’re going to have to make sure we’re prepared and switched on if we want to beat them this time.

You’re also heavily involved in the Giants Flag program. What’s that like?

The Giants Adult Flag team has been on hiatus for a few years now and I thought it was about time to bring it back. It’s a great alternative for those who are unable to play contact but still love footballwhether that’s because they think they’re too old or broken, or because they’re just looking to get started. We’ve got a great group of core players with more joining all the time so the future is looking bright for the team.

josh allen - Quarterback player info

That’s a whole lot of football. What do you do away from the game?

I don’t really have much of a life outside of the Giants! My girlfriend is also heavily involved with the Giants youth and women’s teams so when we’re both free we’ll just hang out with our dog

So just all football! OK, so tell us something that fans of the Giants would never know about you.

I used to play a lot of Flag Football when I was younger and my body allowed me to play both. I made the Great Britain squad in 2015 and got to play in the European Championships in Spain.

Name: Josh Allen

Position: Quarterback

Number: 32

University/College Team: Sheffield Hallam University Warriors (1 Year)

Years Playing: 15

Giants Playing Debut: 2012 versus DC Presidents

Favourite NFL Team: Philadelphia Eagle

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

SHERIDAN, 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

Offensive Line Running Backs

Quaterbacks

Defensive Backs

Linebackers

Linebackers & Special Teams

Head Physio

Team Statistician

Team Photographer

Team Photographer

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

Coach spotlight

Coach Calvert - Defensive Backs Coach

Tell us how you discovered football

After I nearly lost a hand in a skateboarding accident the next logical step was to put some kit on and run at people!

And what attracted you to coaching football?

Doctors’ orders were to retire, so I stepped away from the sport, but after a couple of years out I realised I missed the family that football creates. So when our Defensive Coordinator Eli reached out about a coaching position I ripped his hand off. The chance to get to know my guys, how they operate and learn and tailoring my coaching points to the individual is a challenge that I relish.

Why the Giants, what brought you to Sheffield this year?

Technically the Giants came to me. I played for the old Sheffield football organisation before they became the Giants. Once a Giant, always a giant but I was drawn in by the culture - definitely a different vibe to previous years. People just want to play football and get 1% better every day. Makes your job as a coach so much easier.

How is this season going for you personally?

My guys make my job so easy, I could miss a session and they’d run it like I was there, so honestly it’s hard to say it’s anything other than great. When a coach and his players all grow together you know your unit is set for the long term.

What’s it like working with Coach Eli on defence?

I’ve known Eli for a long time, played with him, he’s been my DC as a player and now as a coach. From day 1 he’s trusted me to do my job and just let me get on with it, couldn’t ask for anything more.

How do you find coaching for the Giants compared to playing?

Honestly nothing comes close to playing, I’ve given my kit away to prevent me succumbing to the urge to kit up. But coaching is a different kind of fulfillment, now I do more work away from training, watching tape or learning more about the position and basically live vicariously through my guys. Luckily they all ball out so it makes it easier.

You’ve been involved with the Giants but also at the university level, how do they differ?

Uniball and senior ball are different for a variety of reasons. But the buy-in from the Giants guys this year is just on a different level to what I experienced at uni level. The overall desire to always get a little better is infectious.

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

It was a long time ago, but I will never forget a game winning score for Tamworth get pulled back for a flag and the Giants getting a big upset win against the northern kings (at the time).

What are your thoughts on the game against Sandwell today?

After the disappointing start to the season, playoffs are still at the forefront of my mind. Regardless of who we play, if we prepare and do our jobs I think we come away with the dub. Sandwell are no different. But a shutout is the goal for the D, and as always I want the DBs on the scoresheet.

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

How is this the hardest question!? I’d say most people don’t know I used to live in France, and can (just about) speak fluent French. I also consume a bottle of hot sauce pretty much every day!

Name: Coach Calvert

Favourite NFL Team: Seattle Seahawks

COACHING :

Unit: Defensive Backs

University or College: Sheffield Hallam University Warriors

Years Coaching: 2

Giants Coaching Debut: 2023 versus Northants Knights

PLAYING : Position: Defensive Back

Number: 23/27

University/College Team: Sheffield Hallam University Warriors

Years Playing: 8

Giants Playing Debut: 2015

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.

GIANTS IN THE COMMUNITY

Last week the Giants were out in force supporting a great cause with St John Ambulance in a Giant Collection at Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre.

St John Giant Collection is a month of activity throughout June where the organisation are asking the public and volunteers to collect money in aid of St John. Of course the crossover between the Sheffield Giants and the Giant Collection was a match made in heaven and so the Giants signed up to support a local bucket collection and help raise money, and awareness, for this excellent cause.

Not put off by the warm weather, the Giants turned out in numbers and in full kit. There were a few raised eyebrows and a lot of laughs, but most of all a lot of donations made from the members of our community who came over to see what was going on.

For more information about St John Ambulance and how to support please visit www.sja.org.uk, and keep an eye out on the Giants social media for future community and charity events