Pirates welcome USteam infriendly
US College team ClaremontMudd-Scripp will provide the opposition for East Kilbride Pirates on Saturday in a special friendly match.
The Stags are travelling to Scotland from ClaremontMudd-Scripps College in California as an extension of a wider educational and cultural tour of the UK and Ireland and will take on the Pirates at Burnbrae, home of West of Scotland Football Club in Milngavie, Glasgow.
It’s the third year in a row that the Pirates have hosted a US college team, having faced Hanover Panthers from Indiana in 2015 and North Central College from Illinois last June.
“This game is one of the highlights of our season,” said Pirates Head Coach Ross Templeton.
“The chance to test ourselves against a team from the US is a great challenge, and allows us to gain a lot of experience and take a step forward in our play.
“I expect this to be a big challenge as it forces us to try and raise our game – which can really help us for the rest of our season.”
The Pirates are Scotland’s top American Football Club, playing in the British American Football Association’s premier division.
And Stags head coach Kyle Sweeney said: “The Pirates are a formidable opponent.
“We are impressed with the talent they bring to the field and are looking forward to competing with them.
“They possess good size, play sound football and are a well-run organisation.
“Facing quality international competition like the Pirates will be a unique experience for us and one that will be a memorable opportunity.”
The game is also a chance to raise the profile of American Football and the Pirates within Scotland.
The ground at Burnrae includes a 500-seat covered stand, a licenced bar and hot half-time food.
Commentary will also be provided throughout the game, so those new to American Football will be able to keep up with all the action.
Kick-off is 2pm and admission is £5 including a free game day programme. Under 16s go free.