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The Kings of the South kick off their inaugural campaign with first camp

  • Writer: Guest Writer
    Guest Writer
  • Sep 28, 2024
  • 3 min read
Kings begin Campaign

Article and images provided by guest creator - George Evans


The South Kings hosted their first camp of the 2024 season this past weekend, with many of the region’s most talented prospects vying for a place amongst the playing squad. The programme — which is designed to offer 11 v 11 developmental opportunities for U19 players across the south— boasts a number of the area’s most prominent coaches and is spearheaded by Head Coach Aaron Alexis. 


Speaking ahead of the camp, HC Alexis noted “This is a big step towards helping players understand 11-man football . . there’s a lot of new things for them to learn,” and that “I’m excited to give these players the level of coaching that they may not receive on a weekly basis”.  


Despite the scale of the challenge, Alexis is confident that the South Kings coaching staff can help players transition from 9-man football to the 11-man game. Reflecting on the quality of his coaching team, Alexis noted “I’m excited to see the level rise from the first tackle today, to the last tackle at the final camp,” and that his staff are prepared “to help these young men get to the next level”.


Coaches Meeting

Alexis himself brings a wealth of coaching experience, having led the London Warriors U19 to a semi-final in 2024 and the Kent Exiles Junior program to a national championship. 


HC Alexis isn’t the only King with a championship pedigree. On the defensive side of the ball, the Kings are led by Royal Holloway Head Coach Jordan Metcalf. Metcalf — a multiple premiership National Championship winner with the London Warriors — will serve as the King’s defensive coordinator and will aim to shut down the notoriously high-powered SGS offence when the side opens its campaign on the 13th of November at Brunel University. Joining Metcalf are championship-winning coaches with collegiate, European, and international experience:


  • Linebackers: Zac Cooney-Quin (IMG Academy, Concordia St. Paul, Munich Cowboys, Munich Cowboys U19s, London Warriors, Team GB)

  • Linebackers: Joe Alexis (Kent Exiles, Kent Exiles Women, Kent Exiles U19)

  • Linebackers: Rio Savvaris (London Warriors, Team GB, GB U19)

  • Defensive Backs: Oliver Kent (GB Lions U19, Brighton Panthers, Kingston Cougars)

  • Defensive Backs: Aaron Sanders (London Blitz, London Blitz U19)

  • Defensive Line: Carl Alexis (Kent Exiles Women, Kent Exiles U19) 

  • Defensive Line: Sufyaan (Ali) Akhtar (Hertfordshire Hurricanes, Hertfordshire Cheetahs, London Blitz U19)


The Kings will look to bring a balanced approach on offence with OC William Sparke at the helm. Sparke, the current Hertfordshire Cheetahs offensive coordinator, has amassed over 20 years of experience as a player and coach, and will use his well-earned knowledge to sharpen the King’s offensive tools before they take on other regional programs later this year. Joining Sparke on the offensive side of the ball are: 


  • Quarterbacks: Firoz Bhatty (Peterborough Saxons, London Blitz U19)

  • Quarterbacks: Ben Waha (Durham Saints, Imperial Immortals, London Blitz B) 

  • Offensive Line: Adam Pearson (Kent Exiles Academy, London Warriors Grassroots)

  • Offensive Line: Derek Oppong (GB U17, London Blitz U19)

  • Running Backs: Rupert Layland (UCL Emperors, London Blitz U19)

  • Running Backs: Josh Proud (Kent Exiles, London Blitz U19)

  • Wide Receivers: Clark Gardner (Kingston Cougars, Team GB, London Warriors Women)


Management & Coaching Team

Reflecting on a successful first day of camp at Royal Holloway, Alexis noted that playing for a regional development program like the South Kings can help players make the step up to the National Programme. Alexis stated that the South Kings “allows players to be in the shop window for GB . . . and to see what the level is like within the National Program.” The Kings will return to Royal Holloway next weekend for a second day of camp as the side turns their attention to SGS. 


The South Kings U19 program is still accepting registrations for new players. Players interested in joining the Kings for their 2024 campaign can sign up online.  


Author Bio: George is a sports journalist and content writer based in Hampshire. When he’s not writing, he’s coaching quarterbacks for the University of Portsmouth and the Solent Thrashers. You can find more of his work at georgeevanswriter.co.uk or get in touch via email (georgealexevans@gmail.com).

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