National Programme
Lions Announce New Defensive Coordinator
By BAFA
Jan 12, 2024 - 10:21:22 PM

GB Lions are pleased to announce the promotion of Steve Collins to defensive coordinator.

Coach Collins himself a player on the Lions teams of the late eighties has a wealth of experience both as player and coach. His coaching career began with the d-line at the Glasgow Lions in the early nineties. In 1996 he was the head coach and defensive coordinator for Team Scotland. The following year he joined the national squad as d-line coach where he has been a loyal and committed team member.

"Steve has been and is a pinnacle part of our coaching staff. This is a golden opportunity to demonstrate his ability", said Riq Ayub – he went on to add, "This will be a huge challenge to the man as he likes to win and do things in the correct manner, his winning attitude will be his driving force to achieve". Collins himself is just pleased to be given the chance. "It goes to show you can work up through the ranks within the National Programme if you have the desire. I just can’t wait to get to camp and start working with the athletes".

Steve Collins Career
1990 to 95: d-line Glasgow Lions
1995: d-line assistant D co-ordinator Team Scotland
1996: d-line HFC Team Scotland
1997 to 98: d-line GB Lions
1998 to 2004: defence Claymores Academy Programme
1998 to 2005: d-line/co-ordinator Scotland youth
2000 to 2005: HFC Clyde Valley Hawks Youth Programme
2002 to 2004: d-line GB Youth
2003 to present: GB Lions
2006: East Kilbride Pirates

Achievements
2002, 2003, 2004 Scottish Youth Champions
2003 National Youth Champions
2003 National Youth Coach of the Year
2004 All-time defensive MVP – Glasgow Lions
2004 European Group 'B' Championship – GB Lions
2005 European Youth Coach of the Year

Players in Scotland and the North of England have the opportunity to workout and demonstrate their abilities on Saturday 10th of February at Forthbank stadium, Springkerse, Stirling.

Registration will be at 11.30am and the workout should be finished by 4.00pm.

Players are asked to bring full equipment and astro turf shoes. Offensive players should wear white jerseys. Defense should wear black or dark colours.

More information is to follow with local contact numbers.

This same weekend there will be workouts in the midlands for the rest of the countries players and again more details will follow shortly.

It should be noted players at these workouts will be told immediately, wherever possible, if they are invited to camp – which will be held at Crystal Palace NSC. Weekend of the 3rd and 4th of March.