The Programme

The American Football Academy Programme at SGS Sport offers athletes aged both 16-19 and 19+ a comprehensive opportunity to advance their athletic journey while enrolled at SGS College. Throughout their time in the SGS Sports Academy, learners benefit from up to 15 hours of contact time per week, comprising on-field training sessions, gym-based Strength and Conditioning sessions, and broader athlete development sessions covering Psychology, Nutrition, NCAA Progression Events and Brand Awareness throughout the season. Additionally, all learners receive three individual feedback sessions annually with their coaches, focusing on academic development, personal needs, and areas for improvement.

The SGS Sport program also offers an extensive Sport Science and Medical package focused on injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. This includes strength and conditioning sessions, sports rehab, sports massage, and pitch-side first aid and matchday emergency cover at the SGS WISE Campus. Each academy benefits from two strength and conditioning sessions per week, delivered by our coaches across our two performance gyms. Additionally, a dedicated team of sports rehab professionals is available to support athletes in case of injury. We also collaborate closely with the academic sports department to provide work experience opportunities for students, including sports massage services for sports academy learners. SGS College offers a dedicated ice bath facility for student use. Furthermore, there are various placement opportunities for university-level students in sports psychology, performance analysis, and strength and conditioning. For the 2024-25 academic year, SGS College, in collaboration with the University of Gloucestershire, is launching a paid MSc studentship opportunity. These initiatives aim to develop SGS College into a centre of sporting excellence and research.

The American Football programme kicks off in September each year with an introduction weekend (usually the first weekend of September). The bulk of the programme runs from September to May, with academic timetables structured to accommodate access to the Sports Academy offerings. During the season, training sessions are scheduled for Monday afternoon, Wednesday afternoon and Friday mornings, with a mixture of individual, squad and unit based sessions.

The SGS Sport American Football games programme takes place on a weekend for both the Further Education (16-19) and Higher Education (19+) BUCS Teams. The 16-19 age group play fixtures against other UK regional teams from across the UK, as well as international fixtures against academies from France, Denmark and Italy alongside top clubs from Germany. The BUCS team play in the Premier South Division of BUCS against some of the top universities in the country.

Academic Qualifications

To participate in the American Football programme at SGS College, all learners must be enrolled in a full-time academic qualification, such as Vocational qualifications or A Levels. Many learners choose to study disciplines like Sport, Sports Media, or Media at the WISE Campus, while others pursue A Levels or Business Studies at the Filton Campus. For those studying at the Filton Campus, a shuttle bus service is available to facilitate transportation to and from the WISE Campus.

Participation in the Sports Academy provision is contingent upon adherence to the SGS Sport Code of Conduct. This code outlines expectations regarding behaviour, attendance (maintained at 92% across all academic qualifications), timely submission of work, and adherence to sporting conduct standards. Compliance with these requirements ensures learners' eligibility for involvement in the Sports Academy program.

Partners and Progression

Throughout the academic year, the American Football coaches at SGS College organize a variety of progression-based opportunities aimed at developing athletes' athletic journeys. These initiatives include hosting guest coaches from American institutions such as Coach John Beam from Laney College (Netflix's Last Chance U season 4) & Coach Rich Worsell from Wisconsin Oshkosh of the NCAA to discuss potential progression opportunities in America. Additionally, within the UK, SGS College maintains a close partnership with the Aztecs, offering athletes the chance to compete in the highest level of British American Football right here in Bristol.

Beyond the UK, our American Football coaches have established connections with clubs in Canada and Europe, providing learners with pathways to secure professional contracts during the summer months. For athletes aged 16-19, a natural progression involves continuing their studies at SGS College while competing for the SGS College BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) side, allowing them to pursue university-level qualifications while continuing their American Football journey.

Our Alumni and Academy Success

The American Football program at SGS has achieved significant success both at the individual and team levels in recent years. On a team level, the SGS Sport BUCS team claimed the BUCS Division 1 South Championship in 2021-22, followed by securing the Division 1 National Title in the same season. Additionally, in their inaugural season in the BUCS Premier, they reached the semi-final playoffs. In the subsequent season of 2023-24, the team finished 2nd in the regular season and advanced to the end-of-season quarter-finals.

Individually, numerous learners have earned representation for Team GB at both the Under 17 and Under 19 levels during their time at SGS College. Notably, two players, Alex Jenkins (New Orleans Saints and New York Giants) and Santigie Sankoh (Cleveland Browns), have progressed to play in the NFL. Sankoh was also selected 3rd overall in the CFL International Players Draft.

Furthermore, over 65 players have advanced to play in the NCAA, with many others at Junior College and Prep and High Schools, competing for esteemed teams such as West Virginia, Boise State, William & Mary, UIW, North Texas, Illinois, Augustana, Austin, Northwestern Oklahoma, LA Verne, St Xavier, Buena Vista, Concordia Saint Paul, Snow, Sierra, and Kent Prep.

Moreover, the program has facilitated more than 100 professional contracts in Europe, including teams in GFL1 and ELF like Frankfurt Universe, Potsdam Royals, Schwabisch Hall Unicorns, and Cologne Crocodiles. Nearly 100 players have also earned international caps, underscoring the program's remarkable success and impact in the world of American Football.