Spartans in a buoyant mood for home opener
AFTER successful seasons in both 2015 and 2016, the Halton Spartans are ready to host their first home game of the 2017 campaign in the BAFA National Leagues – NFC II South Conference when they host Shropshire Revolution on Sunday at the Select Security Stadium.
This year the Spartans will be facing familiar teams – the Chester Romans, Staffordshire Surge and Crewe Railroaders, as well as the Humber Hawks who they have not faced since their associate year in 2014. They will also be taking on new teams in the Shropshire Revolution and Lincolnshire Bombers
The Spartans play all their home games at the Select Security Stadium and are looking for the people of Halton to join the ever-growing army of Spartan fans.
The 2017 Season Pass gets two adults and unlimited U16s into all five home games for just £20.
The Pass can be purchased from the Mill Brow in Widnes, online at Event Bright, or on the gate at the stadium.
The Spartans have again put together a great gameday experience, which will include a matchday announcer, cheerleaders, games and competitions, and of course the stadium concourse bars will be open for food and drink so you can make a real day of it.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s home opener, Spartans general manager, Ian Derbyshire, said: “The team both and off the field have worked tremendously hard during the off season and I am ● immensely proud of them.
“Not only are we getting our name out in the borough of Halton but in the wider Brit Ball community.
“I am pleased that this year again sees the Spartans link up with 60K International Call Centres as our primary sponsorship partner, and we have also brought on board two new sponsorship partners – Newlyn Healthcare and Mill Brow Sports & Sports Social Club.
“The commitment from our sponsorship partners has allowed the Spartans to play the 2017 season in a new game shirt, which sees us move away from our current black shirts to green shirts.
“It’s also great to have on board again this year Emma Swain and the team from Eclipse Street Dance Cheer, as they really add to our gameday experience.
“I’m hoping the people of Halton will get behind the Spartans and come down to the stadium to cheers us on.
“It’s a great day and you will not be disappointed!”
Spartans head coach, Ian Beattie, said: “The team have been training hard since November and the mood in the camp is buoyant.
“We have retained the majority of the 2016 squad and have recruited well both in terms of rookies who are enjoying their first taste of American Football, as well as recruiting experienced players from other teams, meaning we have a squad of 52 players who are keen to make an impact at the Spartans.
“Pre-season preparations have gone well, and this has included classroom sessions, strength and conditioning sessions, alongside the normal Sunday training sessions, so the guys have put in a great amount of effort – and are looking to reap the rewards of this.”
Offensive coordinator, Jason Smith, who was formerly head coach of the Surge and joined Halton in the off season, said: “Pre-season has been a learning curve for the players.
“New playbook, new systems and a different attitude, all meant that existing players and new rookies had to learn together, creating a bond.
“Existing Spartans players have helped the rookies integrate into the offence, and new players have joined from other teams, adding experience and knowledge. All of the players have been keen to take on new ideas, and new approaches to the sport. We are laying the foundations to progress and move the team forward, together.”
The Spartans’ defensive coordinator, Simon Grice, is now into his third season in the role with the team.
He said: “Pre-season was a progressive increase for the Spartans, taking what worked in 2016 and adding for 2017.
“We incorporated the rookies well and brought them up to speed in our classroom sessions and field sessions before involving the vets to run through playbooks all combined.
“The defence this year will be be looking to improve on previous years with players understanding the game more while helping the newcomers.”