Great Britain’s national team, the GB Lions, has announced its 75 man squad in preparation for the 2024 IFAF European Championship Qualifiers set for this October. The extended roster has been practicing regularly since January and, following the Blue vs White game this past Saturday, the final selections have been made.
Lions Head Coach Jason Scott:
“This process is exhaustive, and we want to make sure we leave no stone unturned in putting together the best possible team to play in the European Qualifiers. Over the past six months we have reviewed film, evaluated our players, and ensured that we are creating a team that competes, that understands our values, and wants to represent the very best of British American Football.
“We have tried to blend youth and experience with nearly a third of this squad newcomers to the Lions roster. We’re particularly excited to bring in sixteen players who will be under 23 by the time that the games roll around – again adding to our philosophy of bringing through young players.”
Twenty-four different clubs are represented in the roster, with twelve players currently playing within European leagues. Of the domestic players, nine athletes have been selected from clubs outside the BAFA Adult Contact Premiership
The Lions play Sweden in Karlstad on Sunday 13 October, before hosting Germany six days later – on Saturday 19 October – at Butts Park Arena, Coventry. Tickets for these games will go on sale soon – keep an eye out on BAFA social media for updates.