Joining the Rebels
Thanks for your recent interest in joining the Dublin Rebels American Football Club. You are receiving this newsletter, which should answer all of your questions. If, upon reading this you are interested in joining the Rebels as a Player, Coach, or in an Administrative/Management role you will be required to send us some information which we will outline at the bottom.
Thanks for your recent interest in joining the Dublin Rebels American Football Club. You are receiving this newsletter, which should answer all of your questions. If, upon reading this you are interested in joining the Rebels as a Player, Coach, or in an Administrative/Management role you will be required to send us some information which we will outline at the bottom.
History:
The Dublin Rebels were founded in the summer of 1995. They entered the Irish Flag Football League with a squad of 10 players, where they received the Best Newcomers Award for the 1995-96 season. Finishing 3rd in 1996-97 and going on to lose a closely fought final in 1997-98, placing them 2nd, the Rebels continued to improve with the squad size growing all the time. This led to the addition of a second flag team to the club. The following season 1998-99 was the beginning of the full contact team. As planned our two flag teams combined as one and we managed to play one season in the full contact league of Ireland before the demise of the league. We managed a mid table finish in our first full contact season picking up four wins. American Football was not played again until the winter of 2001. Since the reformation of the league, the Rebels have won 5 Shamrock Bowls, 2 European Trophies and 5 League Titles. The Rebels are the only team in the modern era to have obtained a perfect season picking up the League Title and Shamrock Bowl, winning every game that season (2006). Our average squad size each year is now 45 players approx.
Coaching Staff:
Every year the Irish American Football Coaches Association (IAFCA) hosts coaching courses to train Coaches further. Prospective Coaches can attend these courses, which are delivered by the top Coaches from the UK. The Dublin Rebels currently have 4 Coaches, with multiple level 2 qualifications, 6 Coaches with single level 2 qualifications and 3 Coaches with level 1 qualifications. With the highest level of coaching possible the Rebels aim to make it easy for new players to join the club. Whether you are a complete novice or coming from a different team/system, it is our goal to coach you to reach your highest potential.
Recruitment Information:
The IAFL season runs from the beginning of March to Mid August each year. It is a full contact senior league for over-18 males. Pre-season begins on the first Sunday of January each year. New players joining the club are however expected to attend a small number of sessions prior to Christmas to allow them to learn the basics of American Football and to get fitted for new equipment. From January onwards, the full squad trains on Sundays from 12pm until 4pm and midweek one evening (WED, tbc) from 7pm until 9pm. There will also be 1hr sessions on the Saturday prior to games to go through game plans etc. At present we play our home games in Sportslink, Santry. We currently train in Booterstown next to the DART station, however we actively seeking a new training facility in the central Dublin area. As a player, you are expected to excel in training and playbook sessions as this is the sole basis behind team selection. Many Rookies/Transfers have broken into the starting team in their first year by adhering to this ethos; this should be your goal. In order to play for the Rebels, you will need a full set of equipment as follows: Black helmet, black training jersey, shoulder pads, black training pants, 7 piece soft pad set, black game socks and suitable footwear. From time to time second hand equipment becomes available, however this is rare and we recommend purchasing a full new set from approx €300. These are available from, www.barnettsports.com or www.forelle.com you can also source them yourself over the multiple suppliers over the internet. The above mentioned although slightly more expensive are the most reliable we have dealt with. Barnett will offer a 10% discount if you tell them, you are with the Rebels. Please contact us before ordering for assistance with sizing and positional. Please note: This initial investment may seem a lot, however equipment generally lasts 10+ years if properly maintained.
American Football differs from most other sports; you cannot just turn up and play. It requires an investment of your time. We suggest a minimum of 1 year, our coaches will give you every opportunity to learn and excel. Any less time will not give you an in-depth perspective of the sport. If at the end of this first year you decide not to continue the club will assist you in selling your gear on.
How Do I Join?
Now that you have had a little insight into what the Dublin Rebels are all about. We are currently recruiting in the following areas. Players, Coaches, Administrative staff, Management. Do you want to become a member of the most successful Club in Irish American Football history?
Send us the following information: Email: chris@dublinrebels.com
Name:
Phone:
Email:
Height:
Weight:
Age:
Experience: (Please include other sport and positions if you have no American football experience)
Position:
Regards
Dublin Rebels Management
