The Redditch Arrows were an American Football team based initially in Redditch and later in Birmingham, United Kingdom. They were formed in 1986 and disbanded in 2009.
History
The Arrows were established in early 1986. During the late 1980s, they played in three different leagues; the UKAFL, the Budweiser League and then BNGL, during which they made the playoffs twice. In 1989, after a playoff run, they reached the BNGL Premier Division Bowl Game, where they lost to the Kingston Thames Pirates, who were in their debut season, 66-8. During this time, they played their home games at the Abbey Stadium in Redditch.
After a down period, punctuated by being unable to compete in 1992 due to a player shortage, they reached the BAFL Division 3 final, where they lost to the Winchester Rifles. After again making the playoffs in 2000, they were promoted to Division One.
Finished with a creditable 3-5-0 record in 2001. Had a poor 2002 season finishing with a 0-9-1 record which resulted in them returning to Division Two in 2003, where they finished with a 4-6-0 record. Had a stunning regular season in 2004 finishing 9-0-1, but fell at the first hurdle in the playoffs in a thriller to Sussex Thunder 23-22. In the 2000s, the Arrows played their home games at Kings Norton RFC.
Notable former players
All players listed below appeared for the Redditch Arrows during their career.
QB Dave Stanton
RB Anthony Perkins
RB Charles Humphrey
RB Dave Mills
WR Mark Cohen
OL/DE Matt Sheldon
DB Mark Williams
OL Gary Matthews
OL David Robinson
FL Darren Biddle . FS Karl Watkins🇬🇧 WR Pete Morgan 🇬🇧 LB Rich “Elmo” Wilby 🇬🇧
Notable Former Coaches
Ian Hill
Mark Williams
Season by Season record
Notes
External links
Redditch Arrows website (No Longer Updated)