Students Travel to Denmark to Represent Team GB in American Football

Sixth Form students Gariq Johnson and Michael Thompson were selected to represent Great Britain in the American Football Under 19’s team and travelled to Vejle, Denmark to play against Denmark & Finland in the EJC Qualifying tournament.

Gariq, who is currently studying Applied Science, Medical Science and History at the college has been playing American Football for 4-5 years and says his interest stems from his connection to America as he was born in California and his father is originally from Maryland. He began his career at Chester Romans and has recently begun playing for Manchester Titans.

Michael, a former Wirral Grammar School for Boys student, claims Gariq introduced him to American Football after suggesting he try out for Chester Romans and has been playing for the club for 2 years. Michael has remained with Chester Romans and has recently moved up to Senior Level with the club.

Both students were selected to trial for a place on team GB U19 and were selected out of 100s down to just 45 places. Michael described how he felt to achieve a place on the national team, “I was so proud and got a real sense of self-fulfilment when I realised I had made the team. To know I am one of the best 45 players in the country at my level was just fantastic and I couldn’t wait to represent my country.” After winning against Russia in Bristol, Gariq and Michael had the opportunity to travel to Denmark to compete against their home team and Finland. Michael added, “It was incredible, travelling as a team allowed us to bond and playing in a proper American Football stadium which held 15,000 people was an experience I’ll never forget.”

Gariq and Michael both hope to continue their studies at Sterling University due to its reputation with the sport. Gariq, a former Knutsford Academy student, has achieved a scholarship with Sterling University to study Sports Science and hopes to study for a year in America where there is the potential to play professionally. Gariq says, “Travelling to Denmark was a great experience so this has inspired me even more to study abroad and take opportunities with American Football even further. I also have ambitions of becoming a physiotherapist and joining the army.”

Michael hopes to study Criminology at University but would still like to pursue a career in American Football, “Education comes first for me so I will always focus on that but it would be a dream come true to be able to play American Football professionally. It will take a lot of hard work – I currently train up to 2-3 hours a day but it is my passion and Sterling University has incredible facilities and will offer me lots of opportunities.”