London Warriors
 | |
| Founded | 2007 (as the London Cobras) |
|---|---|
| League | BAFA National Leagues |
| Division | Premier Division South |
| Team history | London Cobras (2007–2009) London Warriors (2009–) |
| Location | Thornton Heath, London |
| Stadium | Frant Road |
| Colours | Black Helmets Black Jerseys Black Pants |
| Head coach | Tony Allen |
| Manager | Simon Buckett |
| Division titles | 12: 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| Playoff berths | 13:2008, 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024 |
| BritBowl titles | 7: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2024 |
| Website | www.londonwarriorsafc.co.uk |
The London Warriors are an American football club based in Thornton Heath, London, England. They compete in the BAFA National League 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 the Warriors a couple of years later.[1]
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 seven-time BritBowl champions, with their most recent victory coming against the Bristol Aztecs in BritBowl XXXVI, and have won twelve divisional titles in their seventeen-year history. The Warriors have had several different notable players, including former NFL wide receivers 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, which had won the British Youth American Football Association for 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 Tony Allen of the London Warriors 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, they 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 the head coach, and the men’s team's starting quarterback, Dee Williams, has progressed from 5 aside to 7 aside, becoming the 2022 NWFL National Champions, and then in 2023, becoming one of only 5 teams to play 9 aside 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 continued 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
- ^ "We Are The Warriors". London Warriors AFC. Retrieved 25 February 2011.
- ^ "BAFL 2006 League Standings". Britball Now. 2006-12-20. Archived from the original (XLS) on August 7, 2011. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
- ^ "BAFL 2007 League Standings". Britball Now. 2007-11-17. Archived from the original (XLS) on August 7, 2011. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
- ^ "BAFL League Regulations" (PDF). British American Football League. 2007-04-01. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 10, 2015. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
- ^ "London Cobras: 2007 Affiliate Season Results". London Warriors AFC. Retrieved 2008-06-13.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "London Cobras – successful associate membership completed". 2007-12-19. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008. Retrieved 2008-06-13.