had games of any kind before this season. Usually we know what to expect from teams and work on schemes based on that. This season we’ve worked on what we do best as opposed to our opponents. I think because of that our new guys and girls have learnt a lot quicker than past versions of this side have.

IAFA: How has your team prepared for the upcoming season?

JK: I genuinely believe we’re full of weapons on both sides of the ball. There are too many teams that focus on getting the ball to one guy to make plays – I have no problem letting teams know that we will be spreading the ball around because we have the talent to do that; and I have no problem letting teams know that everyone on our defence is capable of some special plays if you give them an opportunity to do so.

IAFA: Who are your players to watch?

JK: As a coach I’m thinking of things a little differently, sure, since there’s only a small handful of games to make playoffs. As president I’m thinking of things a little differently because it means travel works differently, and training work differently. As a player, I am (as I’m sure everyone else is) seeing six games of flag football that are played just like any other game of flag football.

IAFA: What advice will you give your team before their first game?

JK: Another cliche; have fun, above all else, then worry about winning. I think as teams we need to realise that sometimes we don’t play flag football for the right reasons – being blown out and running up the score can sometimes end up being as fun as each other. If we’re able to keep the banter levels the same before, during, and after game day,  even with a 6-7 hour round trip, and regardless of results, then we’re playing for the right reasons. I want to make sure every Hurricane remembers that before heading down to Cork. Winning is always great, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of it being a chore either.

into the EBC and GBC has certainly made a difference in competitiveness. We knew that this year would be harder than last and our players understand that. We’re training harder, running more complex concepts and not taking any game for granted. With eight games this season as opposed to ten last year, there’s far less room for error. We are continuing to improve week on week. The great thing about the team is that we can be confident that if one person goes out, the next person in will be able to do the job as well if not better.

IAFA: You are currently positioned 2nd in the league with another three games to go. Have you changed your strategy since the start of the season in order to assure you are in the top 6 teams by season end?

KMC: We don’t really think about our league position at this stage. Just going to focus on one game at a time and play ours. If we do thatthen the wins will come.

IAFA: Based on last season records, which of the other EBC 2019 teams do you think will give your team the biggest challenge this season?

KMC: The Cowboys are the team to beat again this year. We came away with a draw against them last season and we’re hoping to get three points this time around.

IAFA: What would make your team have the edge over your other EBC competitors?

KMC: We’re a very adaptable team. If things aren’t working we can change very quickly to fix it. We also have incredible coaches at the helm who have been around this game longer than I’ve been born!

IAFA: Who are your players to watch?

KMC: It’s very hard to pick players to watch because they all have so much quality!  I would say we have at least five players who are Wolfhounds material. If I had to name a couple though, I’d say watch Josh Davis. He’s been quietly racking up the touchdowns the last few games. Paul Crothers is a menace at DB in the kitted game and that has translated really well to flag. Michael Harland is a brilliant two-way player, having picked up interceptions and touchdowns throughout the season. Jordan Clinton has ridiculous speed and route running which has translated into a lot of points. Chris Muir is one of our new guys who has become an excellent tackle and blitzer. I believe he has three sacks on the season so far. We can’t underestimate the impact our female players have had either. Amber Perry and Lauren Purton both have experience in BAFA (British American Football Association) and are excellent on the defensive side.

IAFA: With the increased emphasis on having more women involved in playing or managing sport, what are you doing to recruit more female members into your club?

KMC: We were able to recruit a couple of female players from our Freshers Fair stall last year who have stayed with us this year. The hope is to continue to recruit female players and eventually get to the point where we can field an all-female squad in the near future.

IAFA: With the newly revamped National programme kicking off for Flag Football this year, will your players’ focus be a little different than just winning the season this time?

KMC: Our guys are very excited about the Nnational Team forming and I believe it is bringing out the best in them. It kind of works hand in hand. They play well on the field, they get noticed and we win games because of it. Like I said before, we have at least five or six guys and girls who I believe could be starters on the Wolfhounds Flag Football squads.

IAFA: What advice will you give your players before their first game?

KMC: Never underestimate the opponent. Flag Football can be a crazy sport and it’s important to treat every team as the toughest team in the league.

begin the year with so many new athletes that we have to teach the basics. We are confident that our young, hungry group of rookies will step up and support our established flag players in making a playoff push.

IAFA: Based on last season records, which of the other EBC 2019 teams do you think will give your team the biggest challenge this season?

SC: The Dublin Bay Raptors are always a fun team to play. Highly competitive and a great bunch of lads.

IAFA: What would make your team have the edge over your other EBC competitors?

SC: A new group of young hungry players.

IAFA: Who are your players to watch?

SC: Our players to watch would be our rookies, see how the perform and adapt to the sport. It is early at the minute but there are some young stars that are sure to emerge from the group.

IAFA: The International Federation of American Football, governing body for everything American football internationally, are increasing their focus on making flag football a bigger part of growing American Football on all continents, and therefore IFAF are spending more time and effort in international events and possibly creating a “champions league” of flag football. Would this be something your club would look forward to if you were to be champions this season?

SC: Of course we would be interested in a champions league. The idea of competing against the best of the best is an appeal to any athlete of any sport.

IAFA: With the newly revamped National programme kicking off for Flag Football this year, will your focus be a little different than just winning the season this time?

SC: Our emphasis is on developing sound football players so in that regard nothing will change. If they perform well enough I am sure selectors will take notice. These things tend to look after themselves.

IAFA: What advice will you give your team before their first game?

SC: Have fun, don’t be afraid to make mistake (what are a few flags anyway) and try your best. The rest will look after itself.

from last season where we were met with a few forfeits. However, our team has improved immensely over the past 18 months. It’s not a fixture list we’ll shy away from – that’s what the EBC should be all about, the best competing against the best.

IAFA: Based on last season records, which of the other EBC 2019 teams do you think will give your team the biggest challenge this season?

IS: Louth Mavericks and UCC are both talented teams with a point to prove having narrowly missed out on Emerald Bowl 5 and playoff respectively. We had the opportunity to see UCD and Dublin Bay Raptors at a game-day last season and they looked dynamic and disciplined enough to give any team problems.

IAFA: What would make your team have the edge over your other EBC competitors?

IS: I can’t really speak for other programmes, but I know our coaching staff and off-field team are among the most committed and determined that I’ve ever had a chance to work alongside.

IAFA: Who are your players to watch?

IS: We have a lot of talented players on both sides of the ball. We are blessed to have Alex Kusmirek among our ranks, who is widely regarded as one of the best defensive backs in the country – particularly given his recent success as a Shamrock Bowl winner and with the Irish Wolfhounds.

IAFA: The International Federation of American Football, governing body for everything American football internationally, are increasing their focus on making flag football a bigger part of growing American Football on all continents, and therefore IFAF are spending more time and effort in international events and possibly creating a “champions league” of flag football. Would this be something your club would look forward to if you were to be champions this season?

IS: That’s a bridge we’ll cross when we get to it. Our focus has to be on winning the Bowl before anything that comes after it. That said, I have always been a big fan of the various “Champions Bowls” played across the continent as a way of growing the sport internationally.

IAFA: With the increased emphasis on having more women involved in playing or managing sport, what are you doing to recruit more female members into your club?

IS: We’re arranging some upcoming trial days for female players – keep an eye out on social media! This season has also seen the first ever female Trojan captain in Helen Smyth who is returning after an exciting rookie season. We have also added some new female players to our Trojans 2ndssquad.

IAFA: With the newly revamped National programme kicking off for Flag Football this year, will your focus be a little different than just winning the season this time?

IS: Our players’ focus will be on performing to the best of their ability on a game by game basis. That’s how they’ll be selected for the national team. I’m looking forward to seeing the revamped National Team and think it’s exactly what the sport needs in order to progress to that next level.

IAFA: For any potential volunteers considering joining an American football team, what roles would you have available?

IS: A little bit of anything and everything! Stats takers on gamedays, referees, film crew for recording sessions or even coaching roles within our squads. The only requirement is a love of the game.

IAFA: What advice will you give your team before their first game?

IS: Remember what brought us this far. This is our chance to do something special.