Manchester Titans take their game to a new stage in Europe
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  • Writer's pictureAndy Taylor
    • Apr 19

Manchester Titans take their game to a new stage in Europe

Manchester Titans

The Manchester Titans, reigning British National Champions in Adult Contact American Football, are set to embark on a historic journey as they gear up to compete in the prestigious Central European Football (CEFL). It’s a momentous occasion for the Titans, as they become the first British team to grace the European stage in this competition, and the first since the Tamworth Phoenix in 2018 to enter any European competition.


For Sam Bloomfield, Offensive captain and starting Quarterback, this moment didn’t come by chance. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. “We chose to enter European competition now because we felt we were ready, both financially and mentally as a team,” said Bloomfield. “Our goal was clear: win the BritBowl [in 2023] again to secure qualification to the CEFL this season.”



The excitement and honour of representing not just their club but their country on the European stage are palpable among the players. Defensive captain and starting Safety, Sam Fossey, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of showcasing a professional outlook. “It’s a great achievement for the club, but also for the UK game. We want to provide a professional outlook and be that team that if the ELF comes around, we can be ready,” says Fossey.


The journey to CEFL acceptance was not without its moments of anticipation. Bloomfield recounts the exhilarating moment they received confirmation of their participation. “There’s a photo of [Jonathan] Homer [Head Coach] showing me his phone, and it’s an email from the CEFL saying ‘Welcome to the CEFL’,” recalls Bloomfield with a smile.


Logistically, the Titans have left no stone unturned in their preparation for the upcoming match against the Stockholm Mean Machines, the Swedish Champions. From intensive practice sessions to meticulous positional meetings, the team is leaving nothing to chance. “We’re focusing week to week, but we are confident as we have a large number of international players and senior coaches in Homer, Luke [Carlton, Offensive Coordinator] and George [Foster] who know how to prepare for a game like this,” says Fossey.


As the Titans prepare to face off against formidable opponents with American import players and national program players, the Titans camp is up for the challenge. Both Bloomfield and Fossey are eager to test their mettle against the best in Sweden. “There’s whispers in the UK that we still aren’t the best defence in the UK, I want us to prove that we are,” says Fossey. “Stockholm will have a talented and disciplined offence, but we need to stick to our usual aims of putting 50 points on them, however realistic that is, 4 touchdowns plus one other score, we should win,” adds Bloomfield.


Manchester Titans

On the offensive front, Bloomfield emphasises the need to exploit opportunities against the Swedish defence. “We’ve identified some tendencies that we hope to exploit,” says Bloomfield, “Swedish linemen are quite big, so we’ve been able to recruit two GB tight ends and some big nasty offensive linemen” he adds, highlighting the strategic approach of the Titans’ offence. However, on a personal mission himself, Bloomfield highlights what he wants to achieve this coming weekend “I don’t often brag about myself, however that isn’t because of lack of confidence, I still want to show everyone I am the best quarterback in the UK.” Bloomfield adds, “I don’t really care how we win, but I want us to win. From a team perspective I know it won’t be enough if we ‘do ourselves proud’, we know we need to win.”


Defensively, Fossey emphasises that not much will change from their usual style of play. “We may not be the biggest, but we’re going to be aggressive and fast,” says Fossey, exuding confidence in the Titans’ defensive capabilities. “As a defence I want us to achieve pure dominance!” adds Fossey who feels he has a statement of his own to make “I want to show everyone that I am still one of the best safeties in the country.”


The team fly out on Friday afternoon ready for the early Saturday kick-off. As the game approaches, the Titans have a clear message to their fans: “Tune in to the stream, support us, show us your love, and we’ll give it everything to bring home the win for the club and for you guys,” says Fossey. Bloomfield echoes this sentiment, emphasising the significance of their journey not just for Manchester but the entire UK. “We are out here to represent our country, we might be out here for Manchester, but we are also here to represent the UK, this will matter to the UK, if we go out and win heads will turn towards the UK. Those on other teams in the UK, I hope you’re also rooting for us.”


In the realm of British American Football, the Manchester Titans are doing it differently and potentially could be paving the way for the future growth of the sport. As they take to the field on Saturday, April 20th, all eyes will be on them.


Manchester Titans @ Stockholm Mean Machines, Kick-off 12:00 pm UK time.

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