Wexford Eagles to hold try-out event in Arklow
IN the Sunny Southeast, there’s only one American football team, and they’re looking to expand.
The Wexford Eagles, who achieved promotion after their first season in the Irish American Football League, are holding a try-out day in Arklow on Saturday, September 30th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“The Eagles have been phenomenally successful in their first two seasons,” said Head Coach Kevin Klatt.
“Now, we want to take the team to the next level, which is promotion to the very top flight of American football in Ireland, the Shamrock Bowl Conference (SBC). To do that, we’re looking to add to our squad, and we know there’s a lot of talent in the south Wicklow area. We’re hoping some of that talent might like to hook up with the Eagles!”
This is full-contact American football. All players are kitted out exactly as you’d see with college and NFL players on TV. Ireland currently has 23 senior teams (you must be over 18 to take part), and that number is expanding every year.
Klatt said the Eagles train twice a week – Wednesday nights from 7 to 9 p.m., and Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. The season starts in March, but the Eagles are scheduled to play two pre-season friendlies in February. The regular season runs from March to July, followed by the play-offs, with the final held in August.
The Rookie Try-out Day in Arklow will take place at the pitch behind the Bridgewater Centre.
Anyone wanting to take part should simply arrive on the day with football boots and work-out clothes.
No special equipment will be required on the day, and Klatt says there’s a place in the game for just about everyone.
“You don’t have to be big; you don’t have to be fast; you don’t even have to be able to throw or catch a ball. If you really want to play and you turn up for training, our coaches will find a spot on the field for you.
“We already have an amazing squad of players, and frankly, we’d be considered one of the teams likely to be promoted to the SBC at the end of the coming season,” Klatt said, “but we take nothing for granted.
“We want to add depth to our squad, and we think Arklow and South Wicklow is a good place to look.”
For more information, you can find the Wexford Eagles on their Facebook page about the upcoming events.