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American Football @Storm
Known for our competitive spirit and commitment to excellence, Swindon Storm has built a strong player base and a legacy of sportsmanship. The team provides a platform for athletes to develop their skills, foster teamwork, and create lasting memories on the field.
Whether you’re a seasoned football fan or new to the sport, Swindon Storm American Football Team offers exciting opportunities to engage with the game and support local talent.
Fun fact
Did you know...?
In 1985, the Steelers, Swindon’s first American Football Club, participated in the first full American football game to be shown on UK television.
The following clip showcases a snippet from this historic event, featuring Swindon Cable sports reporter Ed Martin at the County Ground, Swindon.
Back to school
A Bit OF History
Despite having already been played in the USA for over a century, American Football in the UK didn’t really gain much in popularity until the 1980s.
Initially, nearly twenty teams attempted to establish a single UK league in the mid-80s but couldn’t reach a consensus on its structure. Consequently, several smaller leagues with more teams began their seasons, including the UK American Football Association (UKAFA) in which Swindon based team the Steelers began their dreams of success.
In 1985, the Swindon Steelers stormed to their first Conference title, though they ultimately lost the final 44-32, played at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham against the Slough Silverbacks. Local running legend, Les Slinn, appeared in the lineup.
The next year, the Steelers tied for the top spot in their division in the newly created Budweiser League, with aspirations of reaching the ‘Bud Bowl’. Unfortunately, they only made it to the semi-finals, suffering a 43-0 defeat to the Northwich Ravens, who were the original and most successful team in the UK at that time.
The Steelers never made it back to the playoffs and were disbanded in 1994, less than ten years after their initial success..
A New Beginning
Swindon was not the sole team to face collapse in the mid-90s; several other teams folded, UK audience numbers declined, and there were ongoing restructurings in the UK American football leagues
For the next fifteen years, enthusiasts of this thrilling sport had to venture to other counties for their fix. Local resident Steve Bennett, boasting 19 years of experience in the field, took it upon himself to alter this situation, diligently establishing a club in Swindon with the support of dedicated local players. Swindon Storm was finally born.
Coach Bennett refined our club’s framework and enhanced his own coaching skills through collaborations with teams in Bristol, Reading, and Bath. Both Swindon Borough Council and Wiltshire Council have also played key roles in laying the foundations for Swindon Storm, by providing funding, coaching, first aid, youth welfare and safeguarding qualifications.
Having previously been quite nomadic, in 2020 our then Head Coach Adrian Mees oversaw Storm’s move to a new home ground in the heart of Swindon at Southbrook Playing Fields.
Our permanent residence has space for a full 100yrd field complete with posts, 2 youth pitches, as well as changing rooms and facilities.
The wonderful thing about the game is that it has a position for everyone whatever your skills.
– Adrian Mees
