GB Lions Youth announced a revised coaching line up ready for their re-entry into the European Junior Championships after an eight year absence.

 

Coach Ryan Baker (TE) has decided to leave the programme but their are no fewer than four new faces in the Lions coaching squad.

 

Newly appointed at Special Teams Co-ordinator is former Kent Exiles Head Coach and GB Lion Scott Rowe. Coach Rowe contributed previously to the National Programme with the Senior Lions.

 

Also added as the Quarterbacks Coach is former England and Farnham Knights QB Ashley Heath. Coach Heath helped the young Lions last year on an ad-hoc basis and we are delighted that BAFA have approved his permanent appointment. 

 

Two new GA's also join the team. Kirk Beacham (Defense) from Essex and Andy Studer (Offense) from Loughborough

 

Asst Head Coach Phil Wood will take over responsibilities for Tight Ends.

 

Coach Rains said This gives us a very strong coaching team going into a vital competition year and I am confident that we can build on the progress made last year.

Rains added I am sorry to lose someone of the calibre of Coach Baker. I wish him the best of luck for the future.

 

The young Lions will be holding two try-out sessions for existing squad members and anyone interested in joining the squad to represent Great Britain. A number of last years squad have graduated due to age and all positions will be open. To be eligible you must not be 20 before the 1st January 2011 - the level of football you have played in is irrelevant - so if you are in a University or Senior team and you meet the age criteria you are eligible.

 

The sessions will be held shortly - details will be released soon - in the south at Bristol and in the north at Gateshead. Those sessions will be followed by a one day camp for the selected players which will be held in the midlands. The team travels to Utrecht in Holland in May for a one off knock out qualifier. If the young Lions are successful they will then travel to Serbia later in the year for a four team qualifying tournament with the aim of progressing towards the EJC Finals which will be held in Spain in 2011.

 

Lions full Coaching Squad :-