Under 11 Cadet Team

Grey Shirts

The Under 11 Flag team is aimed at our youngest players (8-11) and focuses on introducing the basic techniques. The two hour training session (1000-1200) for the cadets enables them to develop the skills required to play American Football in a fun and active session.

They learn from the first session that they are part of a larger youth team. We work carefully to have all our teams work together to form bonds and lasting friendships within our Phoenix family.

No expensive equipment is needed for the cadets. All they need is a gum shield, suitable footwear and plenty of water.

Flag American Football is a non-contact introduction into the sport, it is mixed gender and we are seeing positive growth in the number of female participants within our team

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So the cadets can show through the year the skills that they have learnt we take part in regular events.

In 2018/19 we took part in friendly scrimmages against local opposition as well as entering the BAFA National League.

In 2019/20 we played a number of locally arranged friendly tournaments,

Sadly 2020 has seen us cancel a number of planned events due to the Covid outbreak but we hope we can still arrange some friendly games in the autumn.

We aim to provide opportunities to take part in an environment that encourages participation. development and skills progression. We offer supportive coaching that promotes learning and strongly believe in providing a fun and friendly environment. Results are not wholly important but emphasising that taking part along with the opportunity to learn and make friends is.

Good sportsmanship and fair play are key factors at this stage in the development, teaching this from this age helps ensure that as they progress throughout the club the ethos remains with them.

Having had fun and learnt the basics they are ready to progress to the U14 flag team where they can really work on the skills that they have learnt.

There is no experience needed to come along and try this sport....... all are welcome......... you may find that this is the sport that you have been looking for. You can have 3 free trial sessions,so come along today and join the up and coming Kent Phoenix

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Under 14 Development

Red Shirts

The U14 Flag Team is where our players start to really focus on the skills required to play Kitted American Football. Building on those skills that they have learnt at Cadet level they begin to find positions they feel suited and comfortable in. However there is still plenty of learning to be done and players may find they try several positions before they find the one they are most happy to play.

Players progress through our structured Development program and will still play Flag games. However this group is where we begin to introduce skills and techniques required to play contact football. Players aged 12 will do this without kit but those turning 13 will, should player, parent and coaches be happy begin to work in pads and helmets. Contact is limited and this is still very much a fundamental development stage.

Players start to work from more detail playbooks which are integral to the sport. The formations, adjustments and plays must be studied as knowing them will help a player to be ready come gametime.

Like the cadet team the players can show off their skills and development as they take part in locally organised tournaments and events. Although the scores are more important to this age group the aim of the tournaments is still on fun and what the player can learn from the experience.

We are starting to move towards Kitted Football and therefore some additional equipment will be needed. The club can provide Helmets and Shoulder pads but players in this age group will be expected to purchase lower pads and pants. If you have any questions our Coaches and Staff will be happy to advise on what you will need and when.

No experience is needed to come along and join the sport........ all are welcome..........it could be the sport that you are looking for.

You can have 3 free trial sessions so what are you waiting for come along and joing the rising Kent Phoenix.

Under 17s Kitted

Pink/Black Shirts

The U17 team play Kitted contact 5vs5 American Football.

Once players have displayed competence in tackling and blocking skills they are put forward to participate in BAFA National League competition as part of our Joint U17 Kitted team formed alongside our friends at Hellingly Hound Dogs.

We use BAFA and USA football endorsed training schemes and ensure players have the confidence and ability to be gradually introduced into the full contact game.

Players who have progressed from younger age groups will start to see their skills development paying off as they quickly find themselves comfortable within this age group.

This age group also take part in locally organised tournaments and events to help us develop and assess their skill levels. Our priority os to ensure players are capable and happy playing contact football. At all times we will ensure they do not play at a level higher than their ability allows, player development and safety is our utmost priority.

As the older players in the group quite often you will see the Offence and Defence Captains Leading the whole Youth Team in warm ups under the watchful eyes of the coaches. This Helps with team bonding and the U17's can often be seen offering encouragement to the younger players both at training and tournaments this is something the club actively encourages as there is nothing like the feeling of an older player or team mate congratulating you or cheering you on.

Players will need to have full equipment at this level, Shoulder pads and helmets can be loaned by the club, players will be expected to purchase their own lower pads and pants. As with the younger age groups they will need suitable footwear, gum shield, gloves and plenty of water.

No experience is needed to join this age group although you may initially start your training with the U14 group to learn the basic skills required to play kitted football. As soon as you and our coaches are confident you know what you need to to keep you safe then you will progress onto the kitted team.

U19 is our highest level of play, competing in the BAFA National League 9vs9 format as part of the South East Legion.

This team which comprises players from the Phoenix as well as East Kent Mavericks, Hellingly Hound Dogs, Brighton & Hove Scorpions and South London Renegades show that players from differing teams can unite to play together and form friendships and bonds that open doors to future pathways.

Our goal is to enable players to continue their football journey beyond the Phoenix to the highest possible level be that Adult, University or even Great Britain National Teams. We have Players and former players that have taken all these routes to continue their Footballing Journey