London Warriors

The London Warriors are an American football club based in Thornton Heath, London, England, they compete in the BAFA National Leagues Premier Division South, the highest level of British American football. They operate from Selhurst Sports Arena and were formed in 2007 as the London Cobras, but changed their name to Warriors a couple of years later.[1]

London Warriors
Founded2007 (2007) (as the London Cobras)
LeagueBAFA National Leagues
DivisionPremier Division South
Team historyLondon Cobras (2007–2009)
London Warriors (2009–)
LocationThornton Heath, London
StadiumFrant Road
ColoursWhite Helmets
White and Black Jerseys
Black Pants
Head coachTony Allen
ManagerSimon Buckett
Division titles10: 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022
Playoff berths11:2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022
BritBowl titles6: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019
Websitewww.londonwarriorsafc.co.uk

The Warriors are one of the most successful American football teams in the United Kingdom and since the BAFANL replaced the now redundant British American Football League, The Warriors have been the most dominant team under the League's new guise. They are five-time BritBowl champions, with their most recent victory coming against the Tamworth Phoenix in Britbowl XXXII and have won nine divisional titles in their thirteen-year history. The Warriors have had a number of different notable players including former NFL wide receiver Marvin Allen and Vernon Kay. In 2014 Warriors player Efe Obada moved to the Dallas Cowboys and is now a Defensive End for the Washington Commanders.

History

The London Warriors were formed in 2007 as a senior team of the successful London Warriors youth team, who had won the British Youth American Football Association the previous two years running.[2][3] After being accepted by the British American Football League as Affiliate Members, they arranged to play the two friendly matches required under BAFL regulations.[4] In October 2007, the Warriors played home and away games against two teams from the British Universities American Football League—the first game was played at home to the Royal Holloway Vikings and ended in a 54–0 victory. One week later, they travelled to play the Loughborough Aces and won again, this time 42–7.[5]

After completing their obligations, the BAFL formally accepted the Warriors (the Cobras) application to join the league in December 2007, allowing them to compete as full members for the 2008 season.[6] They were placed into the newly renamed London and South East Conference in Division Two, where they made a huge impact, going on to complete an undefeated season, culminating in victory over the Tamworth Phoenix at Britbowl XXII.

Women's team

In 2015 Head Coach of the London Warriors Tony Allen invested his time to start a women's team. The London Warriors competed in both flag and tackle football for a few years. In 2015, they won the national flag football championship and in 2016 claimed the title of Southern Conference Champions. In the last 8 years the Women’s Team has gone from strength to strength under the guidance of now Head Coach, and Men’s Team starting Quarterback, Dee Williams, progressing from 5aside to 7aside, becoming the 2022 NWFL National Champions and then in 2023 becoming one of only 5 teams to play 9aside Women’s football.

Youth Team

In August 2012, the London Warriors Youth Kitted Team won the National Championship. The London Warriors also have a Flag Youth Team.

Junior Team

The London Warriors have conintued to grow their Junior Team under Head Coach Gerry Anderson.

Notable players

From 2008 to 2011 former Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Marvin Allen played for The Warriors. In 2011 he was joined by TV presenter Vernon Kay who played as a cornerback until 2014. Defensive end, Efe Obada, was discovered at The Warriors, and after playing only five games during the 2014 season he moved to the NFL and was briefly signed by the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, and most recently Washington Commanders.

Home field

The Warriors play their home games in South London.

Senior team season records
Season Division Wins Losses Ties PF PA Final Position Playoff Record Notes
2008 BAFL Division Two South East 10 0 0 382 9 1st/6 Beat Cornish Sharks 42–3 in quarter-final.
Beat Cambridgeshire Cats 32–0 in semi-final.
Beat Tamworth Phoenix 30–6 in final.		 Conference champions.
Division Two champions.
Promoted to Division One.
2009 BAFL Division One South East 8 0 1 286 45 1st/10 Beat Doncaster Mustangs 66–0 in quarter-final.
Beat Cambridgeshire Cats 22–6 in semi-final.
Beat East Kilbride Pirates 8–0 in final.		 Conference champions.
Division One champions.
2010 BAFA Premier South 5 5 0 161 129 4th/6
2011 BAFA Premier South 7 1 1 165 31 2nd/10 Lost in final to London Blitz Runners-up
2012 BAFA Premier South 8 0 0 232 26 1st/5 Lost in final to London Blitz Runners-up
2013 BAFA Premier South 10 0 0 510 59 1st/6 Beat London Blitz 26-23 to become National Champions 2013 National Champions
2014 BAFA Premier South 8 0 0 454 19 1st/9 Beat London Blitz 10-8 to become National Champions 2014 National Champions
2015 BAFA Premier South 7 1 0 328 29 1st/5 Beat London Blitz 20-19 to become National Champions 2015 National Champions
2016 BAFA Premier South 10 0 0 503 29 1st/6 Beat London Blitz 34-15 to become National Champions 2016 National Champions
2017 BAFA Premier South 8 2 0 398 135 2nd/6
2018 BAFA Premier South 10 0 0 421 33 1st/6 Beat Tamworth Phoenix 48-34 to become National Champions 2018 National Champions

References
  1. "We Are The Warriors". London Warriors AFC. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
  2. "BAFL 2006 League Standings". Britball Now. 2006-12-20. Archived from the original (XLS) on August 7, 2011. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
  3. "BAFL 2007 League Standings". Britball Now. 2007-11-17. Archived from the original (XLS) on August 7, 2011. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
  4. "BAFL League Regulations" (PDF). British American Football League. 2007-04-01. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 10, 2015. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
  5. "London Cobras: 2007 Affiliate Season Results". London Warriors AFC. Retrieved 2008-06-13.
  6. "London Cobras – successful associate membership completed". 2007-12-19. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-13.
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