Belgian Barbarians name Spencer Wood as new head coach

The Belgian Federation of American Football has announced that it has chosen Spencer Wood to be the new head coach of the Belgian Barbarians, the national team of Belgium.

The 26 year old Wood, from Atlanta, Georgia, is the Director of Business Development for The Growth of a Game and Premier Class Consulting and is based in Brussels, Belgium. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Global Studies from Santa Barbara City College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management from Kennesaw State University. After playing football in college, Wood played one season overseas for the Płock Mustangs in Poland’s 1st Division. After a devastating knee injury ultimately ended his playing career, he remained in Europe in a full-time coaching role. He served as the offensive coordinator for the Carinthian Lions in Austria’s 1st Division in 2016, followed by serving in the same role with the Munich Cowboys in the GFL in 2017. Wood also spent a season coaching at one of his alma maters, coaching the wide receivers and serving as the special teams coordinator at Santa Barbara City College. 

Under previous head coach Lee Rosky, the Belgian Barbarians, formed five years ago, has been one of the most active national American football teams in the world over the past four years, playing at least two games a year. In 2017, the Barbarians defeated Team Spain in a thriller and then lost a very close game to Russia. Under Rosky, the team had a 5-4 record.

How did you first learn about the Barbarians?

Wood: I’ve known the Barbarians for a few years now. This team has become one of the most reputable programs in Europe over the last four years or so. When I moved to Brussels in November, I was constantly hearing about the Barbarians.

As newly appointed head coach, what do you hope to bring?

Wood: I want to continue upwards on the trajectory we are on. Coach Lee Rosky has done a tremendous job building up this organization, I hope to carry out the vision that has been set forth before me. Positive attitude and unrelenting effort are the two things that I will require from everyone, myself and all coaches included.

What is your vision for the coming two years?

Wood: Developing our coaches and youth. A head coach is only as good as his assistant coaches, so I’m looking forward to retaining many guys from the previous staff and working with them. The youth is the future, as with any national team. There will be an emphasis on coaching and youth development.

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