Rhys signs up for the national squad

Rhys Bingham was a stranger to the world of American Football when he enrolled at the Middlesbrough-based University of Teesside. Upon arrival, he decided to join the University’s American Football society. Rhys enjoyed the sport so much he entered trials for the American Football national youth squad, and six weeks later found he had been selected.

Rhys, 18, from Syston, Leicester, is a first year student on the BSc (Hons) Disaster Management degree. He chose the degree after completing a BTEC National Diploma in Uniformed Services at Loughborough College. Rhys said: “I want to join the Fire Service, that’s why I chose Disaster Management. I found about the course on the Internet, it’s not a typical degree, more practical, learning things that you can actually use. The skills I’m acquiring will help with fire investigation.”

Rhys has played Rugby for eight years and enrolled in the University’s American Football society for a change. He said: “It’s a great contact sport with 11 on the pitch. I play in the line-backer position; it’s defensive to stop the ball from coming through. I decided to go for the trials earlier this year for the National Youth Squad, which has players aged 16-19.”

The Birmingham trials included sprinting and the long jump. Rhys said: “I was really chuffed to be selected, as I’m still learning about the sport, coming from a rugby background. The squad are from all over the UK, with only three University students. My parents are really proud.”

Rhys completes fitness training three times a week. He will part of the squad for a year and hopes to take part in international competitions. When he turns 19 Rhys can try for the senior team.

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