The GB Lions - Making History
There is a massive game coming up, it’s the Eagles at the Lions! But it’s not being played at Ford Field in Detroit, it’s at The Butts Park Arena in Coventry! The GB Lions, known as the “Mane Men” take to the field on October 19th against the German Eagles. Head Coach Jason Scott is pulling out all the stops to make it a game to remember.
“It's often been said that there are no easy games in International Soccer - it also rings true within our sport. We have been challenged by some of the best over the past few years, and we have the biggest tests to come. The opportunity to compete against the likes of Sweden and Germany is something we relish, and a challenge we are not going to back down from. We are determined to showcase the best of British Talent, and we want to get back to competing for a podium finish. I firmly believe we have some of the best young players and coaches in Europe, we just need to put them in a position that allows them to be the very best version of themselves. The challenge is huge, we are well aware of the history, and our status as underdogs, but we are determined, and we refuse to be out worked.”
You can buy your tickets here American Football: Great Britain Men v Germany Tickets, Sat, Oct 19, 2024 at 4:00 PM | Eventbrite
It will be the GB programmes forty-ninth game. Their history dates back to September 1985 when near neighbours France were the opposition for their first ever game, played in the leafy Surrey town of Walton-On Thames. The Lions won that inaugural match 7-0, thanks to a touchdown from British Hall of Fame running back Victor Ebubedike Muhammad. Stacked with talented athletes, they would win their first five games through 1986 and ‘87, before finishing a disappointing fourth at the 1987 European Championships in Finland.
In 1987 the GB team uniforms were sponsored by Budweiser, worn here by Hall Of Fame member Mark Wynnick
With no games to be played in 1988, they had the time under coach Terry Smith to prepare for the European Championships in 1989. With impressive wins against Germany in the semi and then Finland in the final, they were crowned European Champions for the first time. The gold medal game saw two touchdowns a piece for running backs Ebubedike Muhammad and Trevor Carthy, complemented by a brace of scores by receiver Allan Brown. As reigning champions, they didn’t have to play a qualifier for the 1991 tournament. Under the leadership of new Head Coach Ray Willsey, they despatched Holland to set up a rematch with the Finns, it was more of a battle, but the outcome was the same, Great Britain were now the back-to-back European Champions!
The Lions dominated the Dutch at the 1991 European Championships
Due to some political wranglings within the European federation, it would be six years before another European Championships were held. However, in 1995 the Lions played a friendly against Ireland, coming away with a 22-0 win. By the time the 1997 euros came around, the rest of the continent had “caught up” and the Brits had to settle for a fourth-place finish. For the next decade the Lions were always competitive but couldn’t find a place at the top table of European football. In the Euro semis of 2005, we saw their second meeting with the Germans, unfortunately this time Great Britain were on the wrong end of a 34-0 scoreline.
As you would expect, the Lions opposition has almost exclusively been other European nations. The exceptions being two games against touring US collegiate teams in 2005 and 2010, both outings ended in defeat for the Brits. The other “international” game was played in 2009 at Loughborough where Australia took the victory 20-3.
Outside of these three contests the Lions have played eleven different European countries. The most oft met being France who they have battled eleven times. Finland have been across the line of scrimmage eight times and Sweden five. The GB overall won-lost record stands at 27-20.
Representing your country stirs up great passion – Image Kyle Hemsley
Current Lions Head Coach, Jason Scott took the position in 2020, but due to delays caused by the covid 19 pandemic, his first outing with the team was a 2022 trip to perennial powerhouses Italy. Although they narrowly lost (23-28) there were encouraging signs and lots of potential. Having introduced the “Mane Men” concept, Scott infused the programme with a new identity and spirit. It was evidenced in full when they secured a last kick off the game win in over-time against the French in August last year. That was followed with an impressive away win against Denmark.
Sam Fossey snagged a pick-six against the Danish – Image Jody Davies
The Germans are likely to be a stern test. Historically they have been one of the toughest teams on the continent to beat, however, they haven’t played competitively for a number of years following a split in the European Federation a few years ago. So effectively they are something of an unknown quantity. A win for the Lions in this European qualifier will put them at 2-1 in their head-to-head series and help the team continue on an upward curve. Some of the Lions of 1991 will be at the game as guests of honour, inspiring the current squad to hopefully repeat their success.
We can all play our part as members of the pride and spur the team on to victory by helping out with teams’ kickstarter” campaign. Here’s the link ManeMen2024: Support the Great Britain Lions by Jason Scott — Kickstarter
The Spirit of 1989 and 1991 will be in the house – Graphic Dave Tidswell