Sheffield Giants vs Humber Warhawks | Gameday Programme | 19th May 2024

ADULT

Words from the head coach

Matt Flynn

Welcome to Homecoming! I love when we are lucky enough to have double header games and bring both the U19s and the Adult Team together. We don’t often get a chance to cross over as our schedules overlap, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for the senior players to get behind the next generation, and for the Academy players to really see the pathway to the next age group.

Homecoming represents the best of what a Giants showpiece can be with not only all of this, but with the Flag teams represented as well, and a whole heap of extras on the sideline too. I can’t wait to take it all in throughout the day, then put on a show to cap it.

Hopefully the fans enjoy the day, but of course our main aim is to get the win over Humber and to claim back the W that we feel we let slip through our fingers when we met the Warhawks earlier this year in Cottingham. It’s never nice to lose your opener and, as we had 3 games on the bounce, it was a particularly difficult way to start our year.

between the two Teams as we know. It was also quite the slugfest and whilst we won by more than a score, the game was never really put to bed until the clock ran out on them. This game is never easy and to be honest I would take the same again today.

Of course the victory against Chester last time out really helped set us on our way and ensure that the tough start didn’t become an impossible one to recover from, and with results elsewhere since bringing our record to 1-2, it looks like the division is going to be wide open and very much all to play for if we can get ourselves to .500 today.

The Chester result was particularly pleasing for us as there is no love lost

We’ve finally had a chance to take a step back over the last three weeks, look at ourselves, and build back stronger and ready for what will now be another set of 3 games on the bounce. I’m confident though that we’re in better shape now than when we last faced Humber, and I’ve every reason to expect that this trilogy will start with a win. The Giants have a history of going on streaks of results at a time and when we build momentum, I don’t think anyone can stop us. With the backing of all our fans at home, I know we can get that ball rolling at Homecoming.

sheffield giants - 18 chester romans - 09

Game Report

The Giants met the Romans at Norton Sports Park and, much like the infamous meeting of the two rivals in 2023, the Sheffield team left the Romans reeling thanks to a heavy dose of their Bear package.

The Giants defence started the second half and did not let up at all. Very few yards were gained on the first series for the Romans O, ending in a punt. Special Teams stepped up to the plate here, beginning with a first punt block for that man again Pindeler.

It was another slow start for both teams, with a couple of series each ending without score. Both were aggressive early, with forays into the opposition 1/3 ending with a turnover on downs after failing to convert on 4th and inches. The lull didn’t last though, with the Romans throwing an interception to #45 Phil Jarrett. The INT was run in for the score, but pulled back for a foul. The turnover counted though and that brought the Giants offence out, with that same series bringing the first score of the day thanks to a running TD from #3 Barron Abrahams up the middle. The intent to be aggressive and run the score up early though petered out with a failed two-point conversion.

The floodgates didn’t open following the score and two strong defenses put their stamps on the game, with the Giants having the better showing thanks to sacks from #99 Bastien Pindeler and, following his first last week against the Alphas, another interception from #41 Peter Parkinson.

The Romans, sensing the direction of the game, took the sensible decision to settle for 3 points after their most successful drive of the season stalled within the Giants 15, as the half time whistle was blown.

Punts were exchanged but that was an invitation for the Giants Special Teams unit, with #20 Adam Westwood recovering the punt following contact from a Romans player. With the offence then taking over on a short field, the Giants brought the score to 12-03 with a further running touchdown, this time from #81 Dan Padley. The extra point attempt was no good.

The home defence stalled the Romans offence immediately and, to nobody’s surprise, Special Teams made themselves known again, this time with #94 Josh Padley blocking a punt, and Phil Jarrett scooping the loose ball up and running it all the way home for his first touchdown.

The Romans did score again – the fake on the PAT broken up by #39 Jacob Eansworth - before time expired but the damage had been done thanks to the psychological blow of the turnover. The game ended at 18-09, and a first win for the season for the Giants, and a 1-0 record at Fortress Norton for 2024.

Team Captains

12

Ahmet Karlik team captain

Matthew ‘McFly’ Sherridan Defensive Captain

Will Robertson Special Teams Captain

Luke Spooner Offensive Captain

adult player roster

PLAYER spotlight

will morgan - kicker / quarterback

So Will, how did you first get into American Football?

I played Rugby and Football growing up so was always into playing team sports, and then when my Dad came back from a conference in Boston he brought be a load of Patriots merch. From then I started watching some games and the BBC NFL shows, gradually getting more and more into the sport and then in 2019 I joined my local Flag team and have loved the sport ever since.

And what brought you to the Giants?

conditioning my body to take hits on the field is something I’ve needed to spend more time doing to prevent or reduce any injuries

And how’s the setup of the adult Team – what do you like about the Giants this year?

I love how professional the club seems. Everything seems to be run really well and looks smooth from a player perspective but I’m sure that behind the scenes there is a lot of work being done to make sure this happens. I also like the fact that everyone is so supportive within the team, even if you mess up people are quick to encourage you and help with anything you may be having trouble with.

I’m playing university football in Sheffield for the Sabres and there is a large overlap with players and coaches from Giants so it was an easy decision. One of the main reasons I joined was to work with Jacob Hardy [QB Coach], as I felt it would be beneficial for me to learn and develop over the summer and become a much better player.

In addition to university and Flag, you’ve played for the Giants U19s as well. How does playing for the adult Team compare?

After only playing a few games for the adult team I can definitely say that it’s faster paced, the margin for error is much smaller and the hits people give are a lot harder. Uniball and U19 there a quite a few players on the opposite side of the pitch who often don’t know what they are doing allowing you to pick on them, whereas at adult level, there is less of that and so decisions and reads must be accurate.

There’s also a size difference at adult level. When playing for the Sabres I might be one of the bigger players on the pitch, but with Giants I am certainly one of the smallest, so spending more time in the gym and

And what has been your highlight as a Giant, so far?

I haven’t had many highlight reel worthy plays so far, but making my first PAT vs Humber was definitely a high point during my time as a Giant. Being a Kicker is very binary, you are either the hero or bad guy, so being able to make my kick really helped with making the case for me as someone who can add things and make the team better rather than bring us down.

How do you think things differ as a Specialist compared to other positions? Feels like it could be a lonely world sometimes.

Being a specialist things sometimes do get a bit lonely but as you need to try and keep a clear and calm mind when kicking, it helps to have little distraction around you so that you can focus on doing the job. This season with the addition of a second specialist [Kicker Robbie Vandamme], there is constantly a friendly competition in trying

to better and push each other to be the best K we can be.

I’ve had some ups and downs but I’m adjusting into the new team and system. I don’t think I’ve peaked yet with my performances and feel I’m on the way up. So I’m looking forward to the rest of the season where I can show off what I can do.

What’s it like working with Coach Dave?

He really pushes Special Teams as key for this Team and as a true Specialist you have to be a focal point of that.

So, Humber next. What are your thoughts?

Offence, Defence and Special Teams had great performances in our last game vs Chester, and I hope that we can carry that boost and momentum through to the next few games. Despite having 2 bye weeks and potential for the fire and energy to die down a bit, our practice has been really strong and I’m sure we can come away from the Humber game with the win.

What do you get up to when you’re not training or playing with the Giants?

Coach Dave is really supportive and useful to have around. He is really encouraging on the sidelines and during training he is allowing me to have a bit of fun with my kicks as it can sometimes get a bit monotonous. He is always happy to talk if anything comes up and is open to small changes in the playbook depending on our field position. He is a great person to have as Special Teams Coordinator.

You have stepped into the world of coaching yourself this year with the U19s. How are you finding that?

It’s definitely allowed me to see the game in a different way. Being Special Teams Coordinator and QBs Coach I’m able to not only help the Academy players with their technique but when I’m researching different drills, I’m able to develop my own understanding of the game which can be used when playing. Another aspect of coaching I’m enjoying is the ability to help improve youth football in Sheffield so the next group of graduating players will improve the current adult team we have.

As a uni student in the middle of exam season I’m currently spending my time working towards my exams. However, when that period is over I’ll be getting back to playing the guitar and working at a local pub back home.

Tell us something about you that fans of the Giants won’t know.

I am a qualified Open Water Scuba Diver and aim to get my Advanced Qualification this Summer.

Name: Will Morgan

Position: Kicker / Quarterback

Number: 9

University/College Team: University of Sheffield Sabres

Years Playing: 5

Giants Playing Debut: 2024 at Humber Warhawks

Favourite NFL Team: New England Patriots player info

COACHES & STAFF

Head Coach

FLYNN, Matt Head Coach

Coordinator

LILLEY, Adam

MARSDEN, Anthony

ROWLEY, Dave

Offensive Coordinator

Defensive Coordinator Special Teams Coordinator

Adult Team Committee

MOXON, Tom

MCCALLUM, Zoe

FLYNN, Matt

BERRY, Adam

ROBERTS, Darren

Team Ambassador

Team Manager Head Coach

Partnership & Facilities Manager

Marketing & Comms

Positional Coach

HARDY, Jacob

MONAGHAN, Oli

TANNER, James

HERBERT, Chris

JOHNSON, Ellie

CARVALHO, Fernando

CALVERT, Sam

Assistant Coach

EVANS, Harvey

MORRIS, Summer

MCWHIR, Aaron

SHERRIDAN, Matthew

GUINNESS, Mikey

HIRD, Shuan

BURKE, Kieran

Staff

MOON, Dominic

DYSON, Jack

TIDSWELL, Dave

THOMSON, Scott

Quarterbacks

Offensive Line

Running Backs

Wide Receivers

Defensive Line

Defensive Line

Defensive Backs

Offence

Wide Receiver

Linebackers & Special Teams

Defensive Backs

Defensive Backs

Special Teams

Strength & Conditioning

Head Physio

Team Statistician

Team Photographer

Team Photographer

RUDD, Chloe

MULAY, Shubhankar

GIAGMOUROGLOU, Eleni

ROBERTSON, Will

BOWMAN, Lewis

GORMLEY, Shannon

KARLIK, Ahmet

FLYNN, Verity

HIRD, Shaun

DRINKWATER, Jamie

EVANS, Harvey

Manager

Digtial & Media Manager

Equipment & Kit

Manager

Gameday Manager

Recruitment Officer

Grants Officer

Welfare Officer

Player Liaison

Charity & Community Officer

Social Officer

Fan Engagement

Placement Student

Coach spotlight

Harvey Evans - placement student & Offensive Assistant

So Harvey, your journey to the Giants has been a unique one. How did you first find football?

I first got into football by playing Madden in the early 2010’s, then over the last couple of years I’ve started watching more games with my friends and over the last year or so I’ve become hooked.

You’re studying a degree in coaching. What attracted you to coaching sports? What are your career aspirations?

I have always been intrigued by the tactical side of sports and whilst at college I got the opportunity to start coaching and have been able to enjoy multiple opportunities to gain more experience within the field. In regard to my career aspirations I am currently trying to get as much experience in multiple different fields so I can figure out what I would like to focus on in my career.

What brought you to the Giants?

For my university course, I had to find a placement to complete. After researching some clubs within the city, I came across the Giants. I then got in contact with the club and after Coach Flynn put together a proposal and we discussed how it would work, it seemed to be a great fit for me.

How does coaching American football compare to other sports you’ve coached, or been coached at?

It is very different to what I have experienced before. I have only ever coached football (soccer) before at youth level which is a huge difference in comparison to coaching adult American football. Having to coach players to be ready for high levels of contact is different as it’s not something that I am used to from my own previous sporting experiences.

You’ve been with the Team a few months now - what do you like about the Giants?

I really like the togetherness of the clubwe are all working towards one goal and that is evident at every training session and game day as we try to improve to get to where we want to be. Everyone at the club wants to get better, whether this be the players or the coaches, and this has really helped me improve in all aspects. What has been your highlight as a Giant, so far?

I would have to say the victory last time out against Chester. It was our first win since I had been with the team so being

able to get a taste of victory was an incredible feeling that I can’t wait to feel again.

You found your way to the Running Backs after first joining as a General Assistant. How have you found working with Coach Tanner and that group?

I’ve loved every moment of it. Coach Tanner has really helped me grow as a coach and develop my understanding of the sport by giving me opportunities to lead drills. He’s been supportive throughout the whole process from the start where I didn’t have too much of an understanding of the sport to now where I am more confident in my abilities to coach the sport.

And what about working with Coach Flynn – what’s that like?

I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to work with Coach Flynn, he’s given me the opportunity to gain experience in a range of different fields which is what I set out to do when I was searching for a placement provider. He’s been supportive of me every step of the way and made sure that I am part of the team. He’s also helped me gain a better understanding of the sport and helped me gain an insight of how the club is ran.

Looking ahead, what are your thoughts on the Humber rematch?

It will be a very exciting game, It’s the first opportunity to play a team we’ve already faced this season. Since our last time facing Humber, we’ve been consistently improving as a team. As an offence we’ve been moving the ball better and have more of a togetherness now that we’ve had our first taste of victory. After our defeat to

Humber in April, I’m sure it’ll be a fiery encounter.

Your placement ends soon. Will you be staying with the Giants? Any interest in playing/coaching after this season?

Yes I will be staying on with the Giants once my placement ends to continue coaching the Running Backs with Coach Tanner. Once this season has finished I want to stay involved with the Giants too. I am also wanting to start playing for Sheffield Hallam to gain some on field experience.

What do you get up to when you’re not coaching at the Giants?

When I’m not with the Giants I enjoy going to the gym to keep fit and spending time with my family and friends and going on walks in the Peak District when I get the opportunity to do so outside of University.

Tell us something about you that fans of the Giants won’t know .

I used to play the violin!

Name: Harvey Evans

Favourite NFL Team: San Francisco 49ers

COACHING:

Role/Unit: Offensive Assistant (Running Backs)

Previous Clubs: None Years Coaching: 0.25 Giants Coaching Debut: 2024 at Humber

u19s

A message from the Head Coach

Welcome to Homecoming, this is such a special day for the club. It’s wonderful to see all of the Giants family getting together and enjoying this sport. Thank you to everybody who makes this day possible - from those club members working behind the scenes, to parents making an extra effort, and obviously the players and coaches.

u19s head coach

This year the under 19s have had a transition year with a lot of key players and coaches moving on. We started this season with a really difficult game against Birmingham. Injuries and absence hit us hard and the result was hard to swallow. However, the attitude and commitment of the players to improve has been exceptional.

With players stepping in at quarterback for the first time and new players eager to join us, hopefully Chester will offer us a real chance of redemption.

In Sheffield we fight.

u19 player roster

QURESHI, Ahad

LAING, Ashton

PREWETT, Archie RB/LB

CHAPMAN, Bailey DB/WR

LANCASTER, Daniel RB/WR

HAYDEL, Dominic LB/RB

REASON, Hugh

STEWART, Jahlaw

TYKSINSKI, Jakub (ST) CAPTAIN

MASON, Drew DL

PHILLIPS, Jamie OL

SCOTT, Jay

STUTTON, Joshua WR/DB

BROOKE, Kyle

BENNETT, Kristian (DEFENSIVE CAPT) RB/DB

DEAVES, Marcus RB/WR

ABDILAHI, Mubarik

DUBE, Muzi WR

WILCOCKS, Noel

BATTY, Myles LB/RB

EATON, Sam (OFF CAPTAIN) QB

VERNON, Sam (CAPTAIN) RB/LB

LANGFORD, Thomas WR/DB

MOORE, William

BREEDOM, Toby WR/RB

PYE, Zak OL/DL

GIANTS IN THE COMMUNITY

Last week the Giants took part in their first collaborative community event of 2024, partnering with two local food banks and a supermarket in support of the fantastic aim of ending food poverty.

Jointly, with Stannington Foodbank and S6 Foodbank, a large number of Giants players, coaches and staff gathered at Morrisons Hillsborough to speak with local shoppers and to encourage them to help support a food drive by purchasing, with anything they could spare, any number of items from a list of food stuffs that could then be packaged up and donated to those in need.

Whilst it was a hot day, it didn’t stop local shoppers and it didn’t stop the Giant volunteers either. Huge amounts

of donations were received as shoppers left the supermarket, and the Giants helped to package and sort the food, then loading it up to be transported back to the food banks to be put to good use.

Whilst all involved wish that events such as food drives would become a thing of the past, it’s encouraging to see the generosity of people donating to those in need. Both S6 & Stannington were extremely grateful to the Giants involved for helping by giving up their time for such a worthy cause.