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Coventry's American Football Academy has opened the door to closer links with perennial Britbowl title contenders the Jets by changing their name from the Bears to adopt the kitted team’s moniker. The decision was taken after a referendum involving the Academy's members returned an overwhelming result of 85% in favour of becoming the Jets. Academy Head, and British American Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year, Andrew Gambrill reacted to the news “going forward I feel the Academy will benefit from a closer working relationship with the Jets. Their brand name is very powerful in the city and should attract more youngsters to play for us”.

Gambrill continued “the way the youngsters voted is indicative of the respect and admiration they have for the Jets players and organisation. Although, organisationally we are separate from the senior side, on an informal basis the connection is very strong, we support each other whenever possible. When we played in the 2009 finals in Doncaster Stuart Franklin, Will White and Alistair Bailey all made the 4 hour round trip to support us. The next day the MVPs were called on to the pitch at half time of the kitted semi-final and were presented with trophies by Gerry McManus. The youngsters look up to the senior players and we’re lucky to have them as great role models and something for our kids to aspire to”.

Jets General Manager McManus was also delighted with the news “I’m very pleased that they’ve changed their name from the Bears to the Jets, we’ve been separate organisations for too long and this is first step to what would be a logical reunion”. For more details about the Coventry Jets American Flag Football Academy please see the website www.coventrygridiron.com.