American Football dream for Moorland youngsters

Two Devon teenagers have represented Great Britain as members of the U19 American Football squad in an international fixture against France.

Joe Surtees from Bovey Tracey and Archie Hadley from Chudleigh achieved a lifelong dream when they were selected for the match played at Coventry RFC.

While the game with France ultimately ended in defeat, Joe (a running back) and Archie (a defensive back) were both understandably very proud to have worn the national jersey.

“Joe and Archie have known each other since Reception Year at Chudleigh Primary School,” said Joe’s Dad, Julian Surtees.

‘We now live in Bovey but Archie is still in Chudleigh and it all started with Joe watching American Football on TV. He was inspired by the game and found a club in Somerset, the Somerset Wyverns, so we spent many hours on the road travelling to training and games.

‘Joe dragged Archie along and he really got into the sport as well. The boys decided to try for the Great Britain U17 team and got to play for them in Austria last year.

‘Last weekend, they played France in Coventry, with one on the offensive team and one on the defensive side.

‘None of their peers are playing American Football but they both love the game. On a Sunday evening, Joe will happily sit and watch matches all day. He’s catching up with matches on YouTube and the Super Bowl is obviously an all-night session.

‘The France game was a great experience and GB were winning 7-0 at half-time before France came back to triumph 21-7.

‘Despite the result, the whole British team was so excited to have played their country. There are not many 17 year-olds who can say they have played their sport for their country.

‘Joe is currently at SGS College in Bristol, which has an American Football programme. He was at Torquay Boys Grammar School but decided he wanted to take his A-Levels at SGS, where his week is mixed with study and American Football.

‘It is a big demand on him and Joe, being only 16 at the time, took the significant decision to move away from home and live with a host family. Archie also did the first year of his A-Levels at SGS.

‘The immediate focus is on A-Levels and, while Joe would love to travel to the States, he is realistic on the possibilities of gaining a scholarship as a running back. It is obviously extremely competitive and the chances of gaining a scholarship are quite slim.

‘He will apply to Colleges in America and will need a scholarship because of the financial commitments involved.”

Whatever happens in the American Football future for Joe and Archie, it is fantastic to see two young sportsmen from the Moors representing Great Britain in such a niche and demanding sport.