Kiera's American Football Success!

We were delighted to hear from former Balshavian Kiera recently when she shared exciting news about her American football success! Please see full details below:

 

I started playing American flag football in 2015 at Chorley Buccaneers, winning a national championship when I was in Year 7 in 2016.

 

I continued to play the flag version of the sport until 2019, when I transitioned over to the 5-a-side contact version. 

 

Then COVID happened and I had to then move up to the u19s 9v9 team in 2021. Our team went undefeated and were crowned the northern conference championships. Unfortunately, due to restrictions still in place from lockdown there were no play offs that year. 

 

In 2022, I continued to play for the Chorley Buccaneers and was appointed captain. This was also the year I joined the UCLan Rams American football team.

 

I am now the current secretary and player for the UCLan Rams, a coach for the u19s at Chorley Buccaneers (as I am now officially too old to play for them!) and I have officially made it to the 75-woman roster for the Great Britian Lions. This means that hopefully I will have the opportunity to be selected for the 45-woman travelling squad, who will take on Spain in Spain in April 2024.

 

I was the only female player during most of my time at Chorley and one of 2 girls playing currently at UCLan. I look forward to joining the womens’ team of Manchester Titans in the summer to continue my American football journey. 

 

It is definitely a family affair for the Colliers and American football; my mum is a female ladies flag player and the chair of the Chorley Buccaneers, my Dad has experience in playing and coaching, my older sister recently made her debut and has been team manager for teams. My brother Sam has just made it into GB u17s, as well and my youngest brother who is playing at u14 flag level! 

 

Congratulations to Kiera, Sam and the whole family, a great display of family teamwork and dedication!

 

Thank you to Kiera for the information and the photograph.

 

You can read more about Sam’s exciting news here.