About Us
The Knights are proud to be one of Edinburgh Napier’s key performance sports teams. 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 shape, size, or fitness 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 to get involved in!
Our goals for each season:
- To provide opportunities to increase participation in sport through American Football
- To enhance the performance and ability of our student athletes whilst they are members of the team.
- To support our members physical and mental well-being and to guide them to achieving their academic goals.
- To increase the profile of American Football at Edinburgh Napier University and the wider community.
- 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 win Varsity
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, Trainers 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 6 playoff appearances making the Northern Final in 2018.
TRAINING (during term time):
- Sundays: 12-2.30pm, Sighthill Park (Grass), meeting at Sighthill Sports Pavilion
- Wednesdays: 7.30-9.30pm George Watsons School (Astro Turf)
- Wednesdays: 2-4pm Engage Team S&C sessions.
- Fridays: 2-4pm on the Meadows, Conditioning & Flag Football (open to all)
MATCH DAYS
The Knights play in the Scottish Division 1 of the BUCS championship. Games are played home & away (8 in total), 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: Wednesday 20th March 2024, 7pm kick-off, Vs Edinburgh University Mavericks
SOCIAL
The Knights have an extensive and varied social calendar. From our legendary Pub-Golf tour, Thanksgiving party, our highly successful Burns Knight, Pop-Star Karaoke, Quiz Nights, and joint socials with other ENSA Sports clubs.
Our Super Bowl Party at the Golf Tavern 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 Under 13/16/19 teams every Saturday morning for children in the local community. We welcome anyone to get involved to help or coach.
The Knights also have our own clubhouse at the Golf Tavern which is open to our members and friends every Sunday with team feeds and live NFL Football.
Accessibility Information
American Football Accessibility