AMERICAN FOOTBALL: Vipers recruiting ahead of 2017 campaign

Having clinched promotion to the Intermediate ranks of the Irish American Football Association League last season, the 2017 campaign holds much promise for Donegal Derry Vipers.

And if you want to be a part of what’s expected to be an exciting campaign you can see if you’ve got what it takes to become a Viper during the upcoming ‘tryouts’ taking place in Derry and Donegal.

Indeed, the Donegal Derry Vipers are staging trials at the YMCA Ground, Drumahoe this Sunday, November 20th from 10am-1pm and at Colaiste Ailligh, Letterkenny the following Sunday at the same time.

The Vipers, formed in 2014, went on a magnificent seven game unbeaten streak to finish top of the IAFL Conference 2 and lifted the IAFL2 Bowl Trophy after beating the Wexford Eagles in a hard fought final.

The Vipers had the perfect season and much credit has to go to the coaches Jason Brock a Chigaco native and Limavady man, Paddy Maguire.

“Initially we’re looking at different strengths for different positions, speed and agility for receivers and corners and power and reactions for linemen,” said Vipers Defensive Coach, Paddy Maguire.

“Your best chance of becoming a Viper is to turn up and try hard. We as coaches can spot someone who is determined and is giving it there all. We’ll be assessing your fitness and aptitude for various positions.

“Also we are a family so we’ll be assessing your ability to fit in with us as players and the team,” he added.

Viper’s Captain and ‘Players Player of the year’, Derm Brown is looking for someone who will go above and beyond for the club; “I’d be looking for someone who asks the right questions and can take instructions to go above and beyond in training,” he said.

“I feel this makes the best players but of course there is always room for error. The lads are very patient with new guys and this shows during the season, guys make mistakes but the Vipers shoulder those mistakes together.

“A good teammate, to me, is someone that knows if he isn’t doing his job right then the whole team feels it, doing the little things right and being eager to learn the sport helps to”.

Two years ago when the Vipers started out they set their stall on one day competing in the top flight of the Irish American Football League, the Shamrock Bowl Conference. They are one step closer to achieving this after their breakout season last year but it can’t stop here explains head coach Jason Brock.

“We have amazing talent at this club with some really hardworking committed guys, but we cannot become complacent. We need fresh blood in the team each year and we need guys to show up for tryouts and push the current players for their positions.

“It is my job to see that goal become a reality in the very near future”.

Visit www.ddvipers.com to sign up for the tryouts. Everyone welcome!