Sport In Profile UK Issue 02 | Page 58

COVENTRY JETS COVENTRY JETS Coventry Jets American Football Club is a great example of a well-run, progressive establishment. Head Coach Paul Rickhuss took the time to tell us more about the club and the good work that they’ve been doing. He said, “I have been involved with the Coventry Jets since the end of season 2004. I started playing in the 2005 season as a linebacker, then quickly moved to a d-lineman and then ended my playing career in 2011 at which time I had played as an offensive lineman for around 3-4 years. After 2011 I took over as Head Coach from the very successful Gerry McManus where I have been ever since. Some of my favourite memories from playing were the 6 finals I played in and European games. My 2 fondest memories were 2008 when we won the National Championship against the London blitz and went 10-0 and my second is this year as a Head coach after rebuilding the Jets we made the play offs for the first time since 2010 so I was very proud of all my players and coaches. After the 2014 season I would say the mood of the JETS is hungry for success and getting better on the field in all age groups. We feel our youth and junior teams are very important to the Jets as a feeder and to help develop our team over the years. Also it helps develop young minds to be part of a team so it is a very important part of our development as a club. We feel we have a great transitional programme from youth to Juniorr to adult by having seasons that start off all together as a warm up so everyone knows everyone. As for being a community club we are in the heart of the community, we go to schools if asked and try 58 ISSUE 02