This weekend, the spotlight shines on the rising stars of British American football as the BAFA U16 Contact Regional Finals take place. With the nation's top young talents, aged 13-15, set to battle it out in a 5v5 format, these tournaments promise to deliver thrilling action. The Northern Conference will unfold in Edinburgh, while the Southern Conference will take place in Oxford. Each venue will host six teams, with the top two from each group advancing to the national finals in Sheffield on August 31st. The stakes are high as teams aim for the chance to be crowned National Champions.
Northern Conference
The Northern Conference in Edinburgh will feature a mix of offensive firepower and defensive prowess. Highland Wildcats (8-0) enter the playoffs with a perfect record, boasting one of the most prolific offences in the U16 format, averaging an impressive 42 points per game. They'll be squaring off in Group 2 against the Manchester Titans (6-2) and Chorley Buccaneers (5-3), two teams that have already faced each other twice this season. The Titans and Buccaneers split the series, with Chorley winning their Week 1 matchup 20-16, and Manchester avenging that loss in Week 9 with a 34-24 victory. With both teams averaging 29 points per game, Highland will need their stout defence, which allows just under 11 points per game, to stand firm if they are to maintain their undefeated streak and secure the top spot in the group.
In Group 1, the Tamworth Phoenix (8-0) also enter undefeated, with a formidable defence that has conceded just shy of 8 points per game. They’ll be the favourites to top their group, having already beaten the Birmingham Lions (5-2-1) twice this season, with scores of 13-2 and 29-0. The Lions, while defensively solid (conceding just over 9 points per game), will need to find a way to break through Tamworth's defence if they hope to advance. Meanwhile, the East Kilbride Pirates (6-2), with a potent offence averaging 33 points per game but a defence that leaks 25 points per game, pose an intriguing challenge to the Midlands duo. Will their scoring prowess be enough to carry them past Tamworth and Birmingham?
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference in Oxford also features some heavyweight clashes. Rushmoor Knights (8-0) come into the weekend undefeated, having demonstrated balance on both sides of the ball. They’ve already faced the London Blitz (5-3) twice this season, winning both encounters 28-25 and 26-8. Rushmoor’s offence, averaging 38 points per game, will be a key factor as they look to top Group 1, but they’ll need to stay vigilant against the Blitz and the high-scoring Swindon Storm (5-3), who lead the U16 format with nearly 44 points per game. Swindon, while offensively potent, have shown vulnerability on defence, allowing at least three touchdowns per game on average. This makes them the wildcard of the tournament, capable of either lighting up the scoreboard or being outpaced by a more balanced team.
In Group 2, the Solent Seahawks (8-0), like Rushmoor, are undefeated and will face a stern test in the Northants Knights (7-1). This matchup is arguably the most intriguing of the weekend, with both teams averaging around 40 points per game and boasting solid defences. Solent allows just 18 points per game, while Northants have been even stingier, conceding just shy of 10 points per game. Northants will be full of confidence, having already dominated Nuneaton Jaguars (1-7) four times this season with lopsided scores. Despite their only win coming from a forfeit, Nuneaton made it to the finals due to a forfeit by Hertfordshire earlier in the season, which raises questions about their chances this weekend, but no doubt they’ll be drawing on their experiences last season to see them through the tournament.
With the top teams aiming to secure their spots in the national finals and others looking to play spoiler, this weekend's BAFA U16 Contact Regional Finals are set to showcase the best of young British American football talent. Fans in Edinburgh and Oxford will witness competitive matchups, with everything on the line for these teams in their quest for national glory.