American Football

The Knights are proud to be one of Edinburgh Napier’s key performance sports teams. We are a mixed team and anyone is welcome to come along, regardless of gender, age or fitness. 

No experience is necessary and all kit is provided, we train complete novices to become adept at the game in a few short weeks. Regardless of your body shape or size there is a position for everyone.

The Knights pride themselves on being a professionally run student club. We wish all our members to have fun whilst learning to play the sport and competing at the highest level.

If playing isn't for you, we also offer opportunities to become a coach, referee or sideline staff - there will always be something for you!

Our goals for each season:

• To provide opportunities to increase participation in sport through the use of American Football
• To increase the profile and awareness of the sport of American Football
• To be the largest, highest profile, and most successful team in Edinburgh Napier University each year
•  To challenge for the Division title each season and reach the promotion playoffs.
• To create an inclusive space where people can be themselves and make friends for life.
• To provide a support network for our members, who may be struggling with other aspects of uni life.

TEAM HISTORY

American Football has been played at Edinburgh Napier University since 2004. Student American Football has been played in the UK since 1985 and there are now over 80 competing universities throughout the UK competing for the prestigious BUCS National Championship.

Coached by Pete Laird since 2010, the Knights have built an impressively talented staff of assistant coaches, physiotherapists and Strength & Conditioning coaches.

The team competes for the Varsity Trophy every year at Meggetland Stadium. The Varsity game attracts over a thousand spectators and is a headline event in the university calendar.

The Knights have won three Division titles and made 5 playoff appearances making the Northern Final in 2018 and are the reigning Varsity and East-West champions.

TRAINING (during term time):

•     Sundays: 12-2.30pm, Sighthill Park (Grass), meeting at Sighthill Sports Pavilion
•     Wednesdays: 7.45-9.30pm George Watsons School (Astro Turf)
•     Wednesdays: 2-4pm Engage Team S&C sessions

MATCH DAYS

The Knights play in Division 2 North of the BUCS championship. Games are played home & away, and all fixtures are played on a Sunday in semester 1 & 2. Playoff games run throughout March and the National Finals are held in Loughborough.

Varsity Game: Sunday 12^th February 2023.

SOCIAL

The Knights have an extensive and varied social calendar. From our legendary Pub-Golf tour, Thanksgiving party, our highly successful Burns Knight Ceilidh, Quiz Nights, and joint socials with other ENSA Sports clubs. We also arrange sober activities such as movie trips, indoor sports and BBQs as and when the student timetable allows.

Our Super Bowl Party, held on the same day as the Varsity game, is the biggest in Edinburgh attracting students and football fans alike. The Knights also run fundraising events for local charities and volunteer in our local community and, uniquely for the university, run our very own Youth programmes. Established in 2017, the Knights run Cadet, Youth and Junior teams every Saturday morning for children in the local community. We welcome anyone to get involved to help or coach if they wish to.

The Knights are proud of our relationships within ENSA Sports and will continue to host/attend events with other teams.

In conjunction with Mackenzie’s Catering, and BRFC, the Knights also have their own clubhouse situated at Canalside which is open to our members and friends every Sunday evening after training and games. Catch us there for live NFL Football.

Accessibility Information

American Football Accessibility