So at the age of 37, and after a year of making my mind up, and a little bit of pushing from my wife, I decided to join the Merseyside Nighthawks. I had been a fan of American Football on and off since my early teens and always wanted to have a go at playing the game, but just had never really given it any serious thought. I contacted the club through their Facebook page to find out how I go about joining in.
The 1st training session I attended was a pre-season gym session, boy did it hurt, with tractor tyre flips, weight sledge runs, a killer abs circuit, and an epic tug’o’war, my body was aching for days afterwards, but it felt great. Even in this 1st session, it was obvious to see there was already great camaraderie between the players and coaches, and I think this came to fruition throughout the season.
My 1st kitted practice at Childwall School was another eye opener, I had decided to try out for the Corner Back position, I figured I would prefer to be making hits as part of the Defence rather than taking the hits as part of the Offense. With up to an hours ‘install’ in the classroom and 2 – 3 hours on the field I was immediately impressed with the level of coaching being given. The training session was going well, until we went onto the contact drills. These started off OK then I came up against Mello in a drill where he had to tackle me, all I can remember is the initial contact and then my facemask having a big wodge of turf stuck in it, it was my first proper hit and it is one I still remember to this day, and one I try to emulate every time I get the chance.
My 1st kitted practice at Childwall School was another eye opener, I had decided to try out for the Corner Back position, I figured I would prefer to be making hits as part of the Defence rather than taking the hits as part of the Offense. With up to an hours ‘install’ in the classroom and 2 – 3 hours on the field I was immediately impressed with the level of coaching being given. The training session was going well, until we went onto the contact drills. These started off OK then I came up against Mello in a drill where he had to tackle me, all I can remember is the initial contact and then my facemask having a big wodge of turf stuck in it, it was my first proper hit and it is one I still remember to this day, and one I try to emulate every time I get the chance.
As the pre-season rolled on my body was getting more and more used to the physical demands being put on it on cold, wet Sunday mornings, but I was enjoying it and learning all the time. And it wasn’t long until the season started with a home win against Chester at our new game day facility for 2015, JMO Sports Park. Due to a couple of injuries and family commitments I missed a few games, however I was made up when I got onto the field in the win away against Walney and even managed to grab my 1st interception. The win column would be busy that season with us going unbeaten through the regular season and then into the playoffs.Our unbeaten streak carried us all the way through to the Championship Final, were we faced an excellent Edinburgh side, it was an amazing feeling being part of the team that day, running out onto the field with the fans cheering, lining up in front of the stand to sing the national anthem and then to be on the kick off team to start the match. The game was nerve wracking and the relief when the final hooter sounded and we had won was unbelievable. I managed to pass my ‘rookie graduation’ held at Bierkeller, despite finishing 3rd from bottom in the talent competition, and I’m looking forward to welcoming the new rookies to the team next season.
My pre-season training has started with an overdose of lycra at the sprint sessions that have been put on by Coach Andy and Coach Ben, and I am working hard on improving my stamina and strength as well as trying to shift some weight. I really can’t wait to get back into training and continue to learn and develop as a player, and hopefully play a part in repeating the success of last year. Overall it has been an unbelievable 1st year as a Merseyside Nighthawk, one that has caused me pain and joy, nerves and excitement, and a year where I have learnt a lot about myself and have found 50+ new family members, I have been so impressed with the level of commitment shown by players, coaches and staff that have made this rookie year an unforgettable one. So thank you to all of you for making me welcome and part of the team, helping me understand what I needed to do and putting me right when I was out of position, and a thank you to my wife for supporting me on and off the field and to my kids for becoming the biggest and loudest Nighthawk fans.
- Kev Duberry
- Kev Duberry