The Spartan's home fixtures are confirmed!

The Spartan's home fixtures have been finalised and confirmed, here are the dates for all five of our home games, Season passes are on sale now at The Imperial, Albert Road, Widnes, WA8 6JS. The price of a season ticket is £20 and this gets two adult's admission to all five games and under 16's entry is free! Make sure you're apart of history, get down to the Select Security stadium and cheer on the team!

Head Coach Ian Derbyshire's pre season interview with BAFA

Before the Spartan's inaugural season in the BAFA NFC West 2, head coach Ian Derbyshire shares with us his thoughts about the upcoming season with the sports governing body. HC reflects on the upcoming season and compares it to his old playing days along side his current coaches including both offensive and defensive co-ordinator Ian Beattie and Simon Grice for the Halton Demons:“I am immensely proud to be the Head Coach of the Halton Spartans, as myself and a number of my coaching team are ex Halton Demon players, so it’s great to have a team back in our borough, and this time we are here to stay! Halton has always had a tradition of a being a great sporting borough, and I want the people of Halton to embrace the Spartans, embrace American Football and enjoy watching and supporting us in a fantastic stadium.”

The Spartans travel to Crewe to take on the Railroaders in the first fixture of the season. For the full interview head over to the BAFA website at:

http://www.britishamericanfootball.org/news/spartans-ready-for-their-new-profession#.VR-uO0aQVMQ

Don't forget to grab this year's season passes for all 5 of the Spartan's home games at the low price of £20, which allows admission for 2 adults and under 16's entry is free! Season tickets are on sale at The Imperial, Albert Road, Widnes, WA8 6JS.

Spartans first home game.

With the season fast approaching make sure you'll be there for the Spartan's debut season in the BAFA NFC West 2. Our first game is against Carlisle Sentinels, the game is on 24th May and doors open at 1pm with kick off at 2pm. Season passes are now available priced at £20 which allows entry for 2 adults for all 5 games and under 16s entry is free! Single game prices are £4 per person or £5 for a pair, this will be a pay at the gate service. Be apart of the history and come to watch the Spartans at home this season.

Another huge step for the Spartans

60K Ltd is the BPO company that provides the face to some of the most respected companies operating in the Global Marketplace. They provide the necessary people and technology to allow your customers to concentrate on their core businesses while they look after and nurture their customers. They know that no two businesses are ever alike, so they offer customised solutions, specially tailored to the needs of clients and their customers, incorporating their culture, ethos and objectives into our operational activities.

Multi award winning company sponsors the Halton Spartans with a four figure sum and team up on their journeys. Halton Spartans are proudly displaying the 60k logo on game shirts and on the provided hoodies for all players and coaching staff.

60k owner said "I'm proud to sponsor such a well run and fast growing team in a sport that's exploded in Europe, we proudly sponsor many sports and enjoy to support youth teams. Our company prides itself in looking after our employees and partnerships"

Billy Forrest, Spartans Captain "we are very proud to be associated with such a large award winning company and to be recognised for our excellence in development of a young team."

Halton Spartans have grown rapidly and we enter our first competitive season based out of the Select Stadium in Halton. The Spartans equipped with experienced coaching staff and large squad look forward to a great partnership with this leading company.

Introducing the Spartan's latest signings!

The Halton Spartans are pleased to announce two further sponsorship partners ahead of their inaugural season in the BAFA National Leagues. The companies involved are the Imperial Widnes and Dial a Drink and the partnership will see both company logos appearing on the sleeves of the 2015 game shirts.

The partnership will also see the Imperial in Albert Road Widnes becoming the proud home of the Halton Spartans, this will become the ‘hub’ in Halton for the team and its fans. The Spartans are the fastest growing sporting organisation in the borough, and will play its home games this season at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes.  The Imperial will proudly display a game shirt, a team helmet and the U Lock It Trophy the team won in 2014.

As well as returning to the Imperial after all five home games for the post match meal and drinks, the Imperial Widnes and the Halton Spartans will jointly host a number of events during 2015 and 2016 including the live screening of the three NFL games at Wembley in October and November 2015 as well as the Superbowl in January 2016.  Throughout the year the Halton Spartans will also be involved in other events at the Imperial and its sister establishments in Widnes the Ring O Bells and the Tavern.  The Imperial will also be the location for all Halton Spartan fans to purchase their game tickets and season passes for their home games at the Select Security Stadium Widnes.

Lee Kelly joint owner of the Imperial Widnes and Dial a Drink has watched with interest the fantastic growth and success of the Halton Spartans and is excited to be partnering with the team in building a strong working and social relationship.

Ian Derbyshire the Head Coach of the Halton Spartans thanked Lee for the partnership and expects it to be a long standing relationship for both parties. We are looking forward to welcoming all players, family, friends, and fans of the Spartans and our opponents this year to the Imperial in Widnes.

Vernon Kay vs. Halton Spartans: The Comic Relief Bowl

The Halton Spartans will partake in a special fundraising event on Friday 13th March for Red Nose Day at Manchester Airport.

2014 BritBowl winners the London Warriors will fly to Manchester Airport to take on the Halton Spartans in a series of challenges.

Teams of four or five players from either side will do battle in several games including a bungee run, and ‘weight’ lifting a girl in BA uniform.

This event is likely to attract national coverage as one of the London Warriors players in attendance will be Free Safety Vernon Kay, former BBC Radio 1 DJ and current host of ITV's Family Fortunes.

Most of the duel will take place in British Airways Departure Lounge at Manchester Airport before heading to Didsbury- the home of British Airways City Flyer Headquarters.

Vernon Kay is an ambassador of BA's Flying Start which is British Airways’ global charity partnership with Comic Relief. In three years they have raised over £9 million to help children living incredible tough lives here in the UK and in the countries around the world that they fly to.

Keep an eye on HaltonSpartans.com for more information as it emerges.

Spartans Step Up In Pre Season Scrimmage

The Halton Spartans succumbed to their first ever defeat in their short history, but it was certainly no disgrace losing to Division 1 side Chester Romans 8-0 in this afternoon's scrimmage at Ellesmere Port.

The Spartans, who will begin their first ever league campaign in the National Football Conference in April had a lot to learn from their first hit out of the year with key figures within the club quick to respond with pride.

Head Coach Ian Derbyshire was in a positive frame of mind despite the defeat:

"I gave the lads three words to deliver on today - Memories Character and Proud -they delivered on all three of them. They all shown fanstastic character, and myself and the rest of the coaching team are made up."

Billy Forrest, Defensive Captain & Linebacker:

"Everybody really stepped up today! I am a very proud captain and if we can play like that and keep improving then we have something very special here and we will go far and be a major force!"

Offensive Co-Ordinator Ian Beattie had a more reflective analysis:

It was a great display from the D. From the O side we stuck in and all pulled together. Not everything worked, but it never will work all the time. The main thing for me was I did not see anyone's head drop, we now move up a gear which we are all more than capable of."

Defensive Co-Ordinator Simon Grice:

On paper this should have been a walkover but it was very far from that. We've only let in two scores in four games from a Defense that has been together a year. Despite the effort, we have a lot to work on."

Judging by the post scrimmage reaction, Spartan HQ is a very optimistic and happy place, but one that will strive to work hard before the first game of the season away to Crewe Railroaders on 12th April.

Three Is The Magic Number

The Halton Spartans have held three training sessions in three different venues so far this season but the club have finally settled on a training base for the immediate future.

Preparations for the Spartans first ever season are now taking place on the astroturf of Ormiston Bollingbroke Academy. The move to an all weather pitch has been hailed as a success by Head Coach Ian Derbyshire:

"The all round improvement is clear to see. We've had good squad sizes at training and our classroom sessions. We've had some fresh meat breathe new life into the defence, our Offence are passing and catching with much more confidence. The new coaching structure and the transitions between coaching sessions have also been pleasing to the eye."

Before their season begins, the Spartans will face their toughest test to date on 22nd February as they visit Division I side Chester Romans for a pre season scrimmage. The Spartans have worked closely with former Spartans Coach Simon Wainwright who now heads up the Chester Romans. The short trip to Chester will be used to give the Spartans a tough, physical encounter whilst revising plays and game scenarios.

Coaching Staff for 2015 Confirmed

Following a very successful first Coaches meeting of 2015, Head Coach Ian Derbyshire has confirmed his coaching structure for the Halton Spartans first season in the National Football Conference.

There have been very few changes in personnel but the major changes of note are the departure of Ricardo Martinez, who will join the playing roster and the addition of Will Johnson, a former Halton Demons player.

"Head Coach Darbs" has ensured that under this new structure, every position is covered and that any new players looking to be introduced to the game are given the specialist coaching required.

Ian Beattie heads up the Spartans attack as Offensive Co-Ordinator and will act as Head Coach should Ian Derbyshire be absent for any reason. Beattie's team consists of Nathan Hazel- who has moved from Defence to Running Back Coach. Mike Astle takes charge of the Quarterbacks, Chris Henry will focus on Wide Recievers and Andrew Keam retains his position as Offensive Line Coach.

Lively as ever, Defensive Co-Ordinator Simon Grice has largely the same structure in place with Player-Coaches Sandy Kyriacou and Mark Johnson overseeing the Linebackers and Defensive Line respectively.
Newcomer Will Johnson will head up the Defensive Backs.

Carl Roberts and Fred Coppock will focus on developing Spartans rookies and newcomers for 2015.

There is excitement in the camp and the existing players have received their new playbooks. Keep your eyes peeled on HaltonSpartans.com for further updates regarding our pre-season in the coming days.

Spartans On The Lookout

The Halton Spartans begin their 12 week pre season programme this Sunday. The coaching staff are anticipating a healthy squad size for the Spartans' 1st season in the National Football Conference but there is always a need for more players.

Existing Spartans players have rushed to get ahead of the game in what is likely to be a pre season heavily focused on conditioning with a good proportion of the squad hitting the gym, knowing there is potentially more competition on the depth chart this season.

Jack Price, Spartans Media Manager explains why even off the back of a successful 2014, a larger squad is required:

"Last season to ease us into this sport, we only needed three games to prove our worth. This year we are in a league with teams more experienced than us and some will have more depth. We have a 10 game season, which to an outsider may appear short. However, all of our players have work/family commitments which sometimes prioritise above football. Plus with American Football being such an intense contact sport, injuries are inevitable and we need the strength in depth to cover any eventuality.

This game is not like any other. You don't have a starting 11 with the remainder being cast out. Every player in our squad gets game time. Provided you show regular commitment to training, learning your playbook etc. We will repay that faith in return with time on the field."

The Halton Spartans welcome anyone male or female aged 18 or over who would like to give American Football a try. Your physical stature and existing level of fitness are irrelevant so whether you are muscular and fast, or if you carry some flab, there is a position for you and our friendly coaching staff will make you feel at home.

Our first training session is being held this Sunday 10am-1pm at Heath Park in Runcorn. Your first session is free and all subsequent sessions thereafter are £3 each. Upper body pads and helmets will be provided.

Give this great game a try and who knows? You too could be a Spartan!

Sponsorship Opportunities Now Open

The Halton Spartans have several avenues of sponsorship open to any interested parties.

The Spartans have rounded off an outstanding first year as a club with an Unbeaten 3-0 Record and a trophy following their win in The Associate Bowl Game at the Select Security Stadium infront of a record crowd of 480 spectators.

The Spartans have been granted entry to the National Football Conference- Division II North- having proven their worth to the British American Football Association. The Select Security Stadium, Widnes has been confirmed as the home of the Spartans for the 2015 Season, who will host all of their home games for this campaign.

American Football is a large participation sport. The Spartans have approximately a 60 strong squad and 12 coaches at the helm and all members pay their way. Players contribute to the running costs of the club by paying subs at training session. Players also purchase their own equipment- pads, helmets, boots etc. at their own personal cost.

The Spartans have already secured two fantastic sponsorship deals from DRL Reinforcement- our jersey sponsors, and Dravet Syndrome UK- who display their charity logo on the players 'helmets. However, to continue this upward trend of success and to sustain the growth of the club, The Halton Spartans are seeking further sponsorship.

Your sponsorship would cover running costs such as registration fees, referee payments, stadium hire and other administration costs associated with running an American Football Club. Your contribution would be recognised on the Halton Spartans Website and our official social media channels.

For sponsors willing to contribute a substantial amount, we can negotiate adding your company logo to our jerseys, along with DRL Reinforcement Ltd.

If you are a fan of a particular player or coach, you can sponsor an individual player/coach for just £30 per season with the money going directly to the Halton Spartans. Again, we will promote your business via our website and social media channels.

If you are interested in sponsoring the Spartans, or have any questions, please contact our Fundraising Manager Billy Forrest via e-mail: haltonspartansmedia@gmail.com

The Spartans are Halton's Fastest Growing Sporting Organisation and we would love you to be a part of it.

Play For The Spartans

HaltonSpartans.com have been inundated with enquiries on how to get involved and play for The Halton Spartans in our upcoming league campaign.

Unlike other more established clubs, we will not be holding any official trials or Rookie Days. However, anyone who is interested is coming to training will be made most welcome.

Our first training session for 2015 begins on Sunday 11th January, 10am on Heath Park Playing Fields, Runcorn. Players normally pay £3 subs per session but your first session is free of charge.

Training is open to both men and women aged 18 or over of any level of fitness and experience. The Spartans pride themselves on being a welcoming club and encourage anyone to give American Football a go. We have pads and helmets which you can use during training sessions to get used to the gear we use in this demanding sport and you will be closely supervised by our coaching staff.

To confirm your attendance, please feel free to join our Facebook Event.

Spartans Pre Season Fast Approaching

The Halton Spartans are preparing diligently for their first ever pre season campaign ahead of their first season in the BAFA National Leagues.

The Spartans begin their rookie year in the BAFA National Conference Division 2 North West with a Cheshire Derby vs. Crewe Railroaders on Sunday 5th April.

HaltonSpartans.com had a chat with Head Coach Ian Derbyshire who has outlined the challenges ahead for his squad:

"With Christmas now behind us the thoughts of myself and my coaching team turn to our plans for 2015. We are currently finalising updated versions of both our offence and defence playbooks for our first full season in the National Leagues, as well as pulling together a 12 week pre-season programme that will ensure we are competitive for the 10 game season. 

Focus in the early period of pre-season will be on conditioning, as following a great 2014 the Spartan players will have certainly enjoyed the Christmas festivities, and we need to get them all back in shape. 

Focus will then move onto fine tuning our skills and plays with relevant drills and controlled scrimmages / scenarios. 

As the majority of our squad are rookies it will be the first American Football pre-season they have been through and although it will be tough I’m sure the Spartans players will rise to the challenge, as we keep in mind the cornerstone motto of our sporting organisation – work Hard, Play Hard, Have Fun."

A New Way Of News

To check out the latest Halton Spartans News, this can now be found on our new official news blog, located here on the HaltonSpartans.com Website.

Keep checking the website for upcoming details of our pre season programme and how you can become a Spartan!