From bafa.org.uk
GB Lions confirm game against France
By BAFA
Jun 22, 2023 - 10:59:55 PM
The GB Lions (adult contact team) will play the French national team in a challenge game on 15th November, 2008. The French Federation of American Football will host the game at their National Academy in Amiens.
Head Coach, Riq Ayub, said, "We are very pleased to have officially confirmed this game. We have been trying to arrange friendly fixtures all year but for one reason or another these fell through." He continued, "France have a very experienced international programme. Like GB, they are ranked in the European 'A Group' top six for the next European Championships in 2010. This will be an excellent test of our abilities to compete at that level."
The projected games against Sweden in April and then Denmark in August both hit the rocks due to the logistical difficulties of arranging international fixtures. Despite intense efforts by all parties, the deadlines passed before all the necessary details could be confirmed.
Coach Ayub said, "We will now use the time intended for the Denmark game, 1st to 3rd of August, for a three-day camp. We need to work hard to be ready for France, but this is an exciting challenge."
BAFA National Programme Lead Director, Jim Messenger, said, "We are delighted to have confirmed this fixture with the FFFA. We hope this will be the first of a regular series of annual games against our close neighbours in France."
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