York Centurions President Fred Isaac has been called up to play American Football for the Great Britain Student Squad.
The third-year Chemistry student will attend a training camp in Bolton next month, with plans to compete against as yet unconfirmed international opposition in 2014.
Fred, who plays as a linebacker for the Centurions, exclusively told Vision: “I’m absolutely delighted to be called up to the GB squad. I went along to the trials, with a few others from York, and I’m just glad to be in contention to represent my country.
“It was the first time I went for trials this year – I didn’t think I was ready last year.”
When asked about the state of American Football at York, he said: “I think the expansion of American Football’s popularity at York is increasing gradually. We’re starting to get good support from YUSU, but it’s a slow burner.”
Fred himself started out as a rugby player, but was dragged along to try out American Football by a friend one summer holiday whilst still in sixth form. “From then on, there was no looking back really,” he mused. “American Football requires a different skill set to rugby.”
Playing for East Kent Mavericks in his home county stood him in good stead to be one of the leading lights for the Centurions once he joined York, and he has excelled since.
Oddly, Fred is no fan of the NFL. “I much prefer getting out there and playing the game than watching it on TV. The way we play is very different to what you see the professionals do – a lot more running with the ball.
“But I am pleased that the NFL is getting more involved in Britain, what with several games being played at Wembley in recent years. If it means increasing the awareness of the sport over here, then I’m all for it.”
Indeed American Football is yet to truly take hold in the UK, but with the increased involvement of the sport in the country over recent years, it appears that it may well be close to a breakthrough.
Isaac’s terrific achievement comes after UYRUFC winger Conan Osbourne was recently called up to represent Jamaica, whilst a number of the University’s lacrosse players are set to attend trials for the North of England.
The York Centurions have played two fixtures in BUCS to date this year, suffering a 43-0 reverse against Leeds Met Carnegie 1sts, before bouncing back with an excellent 14-0 home victory over Bradford 1sts two weeks ago.