CREWE Railroaders are making preparations for a new year return to action after being hard hit by Covid-19.

Funding and sponsorship dried up for the local American Football club whose 2020 season was shelved because of the pandemic.

But Railroaders Head Coach Jason Smith reports that up to 30 players, including many new recruits, have showed up for a return to non-contact training on the King George V Playing Fields before the second national lockdown was imposed.

Now he wants to harness that enthusiasm as the club looks forward to a 2021 campaign in the Second Division of the British American Football League, which starts next April.

"Covid struck just as we were preparing to play the 2020 season and it was a devastating blow to the club, as it has been for many other sports," said Jason. "But we have used the time wisely, and where possible we have gone back to non-contact training in a Covid-safe environment.

"We have been getting 20 plus academy players and 30 plus senior players, most of whom are brand new to the sport.

"Recruitment is progressing well with adults and teenagers wanting to try a new sport. The NFL is currently showing on the TV and with our active social media this has led to a lot of interest in what the sport can offer."

The coach is harbouring promotion ambitions next year, but the senior side is not the only focus of his interest. The Railroaders have a thriving Academy side for players aged 13 to 18, who play round-robin games against other American Football clubs in the north west.

American Football can prove to be an expensive sport to participate in, with the price of good-quality helmets that meet safety standards as well as shoulder pads and other equipment ,hiking up the cost.

The club recently applied for a Covid-19 Recovery Grant from Crewe Town Council, but learnt that councillors had deferred an application for £1,915 to purchase equipment because they felt some of the equipment was too expensive and they assumed some of it was being shipped from the United States.

But Jason stresses the Railroaders will not compromise on safety and their duty of care to players. He says they source their equipment from two reputable UK companies, Football America and EP Sports, who are specialists in the sport.

"One of the areas of concern was the cost and the councillors thought buying cheap helmets from a site such as eBay was an option," recalled Jason.

"Unfortunately with these items we do not know the history and we have a duty of care to make sure the equipment we put on our young people is safe, as this protects their heads and bodies.

"We would fail in our duty by using potentially-dangerous equipment on a player. There has been a huge discussion with regards to concussion and potentially sub standard helmets would be detrimental and dangerous."

The helmets the club use typically cost £190 each, but they are significantly cheaper than top-of-the-range models retailing for over £500.

Jason is hopeful the council will look again at the grant application and added: "We are a niche sport and as someone who has been involved in it for over 20 years, I know the expense involved in the game. However, the good this sport does for the mental health of those involved outweighs the costs.

"I have seen so many fantastic outcomes. It is a team game that encourages a person to connect with those around them. It is a real confidence booster for players of all ages.

"We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to play the sport, no matter what difficulties they may encounter. We are aware that this is not a cheap sport due to the costs of equipment, but we do our best to supply this kit to our academy players, as this is an expense many parents cannot afford."

With grassroots sports able to resume tomorrow (Wednesday), the Railroaders are planning to continue non-contact training with the hope they can return to their base at South and West Cheshire College in January.

"Our season hopefully will start once again in April 2021, but we will have to wait and see how things come about," said the coach.

"The senior team are preparing for their season in the Second Division of the British American Football League and are looking for a strong showing and a push for promotion.

"The Crewe Railroaders of old were very successful both on and off the field. I am new to the team and have been part of a strong committee that is committed to bringing success to the area.

"Hopefully we can be back competing soon and would love to hear from anyone looking to join us as a player, coach or support staff - and we always welcome fans too."

• The Railroaders are training each Sunday at King George Playing Fields. Jason can be contacted at [email protected]

• You can find the club on Facebook here.