Monday 29-10-2012 - 11:28

 It’s only been running a year, but the Kingston Cougars American Football team is already turning out national stars.

Law student, James Cherry along with pal, Vas Korotchenko, started up the Kingston Cougars American Football team only a year ago.

A lot has happened since then, with James, now captain of the team, making the national final for a second time in a row. 

His recommendations to his coach have also got his squad noticed. Four of the Cougar players have now made the it into Team GB’s Under 21 squad- the National School of American Football (NSAF).

Talent-spotted stars Marco Mukendi, Nino Stylianou, Mikey 'Sunshine' Davis, and Stuart Milloy have since played a game in Ireland against Kent School from Connecticut, USA, as part of the national team.

While playing international teams has not been easy, the under 20s GB squad held their own against the American high school team which has been to the state championship five times in the past 11 years.  Rising stars, Stuart and Mikey, have only been playing for a year!

James, 23, who started playing five years ago, said: ““Other international teams are very well drilled and we need to win our next tournament in order to qualify for the world cup.

“I will be working hard on and off the field to make an impact on the international community. My goal now is to help get more Cougars into the GB adult squad!”

If you’re interested in joining the Cougars American Football team, contact the team by email American.football@kingston.ac.uk