The Nottingham Caesars are an American football team based in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England, who operate in the BAFA National Leagues NFC South 1, the second level of British American football. They are based at the David Ross Sports Village at the University of Nottingham in Beeston, Nottingham . The team is affectionately known by its players and fans as "The Big C" and was formed in 1984 initially as the youth team of the Nottingham Hoods before later splitting off to form its own adult side.
 | |
| Founded | 1984 |
|---|---|
| League | BAFA National Leagues |
| Division | Premiership North |
| Team history | Nottingham Hoods (1984–1992) Nottingham Caesars (1992–) |
| Location | Nottingham, Nottinghamshire |
| Stadium | David Ross Sports Village, University of Nottingham |
| Colours | Burgundy, Gold and White |
| Chairman | Grant Lawless |
| Head coach | Vanden Warner |
| Captain | Will Hobbs |
| Division titles | 7: 1995, 1997, 2003, 2008, 2021, 2023, 2024 |
| Playoff berths | 8: 1995, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2016, 2023, 2024 |
The club played in the BAFA Premier North in both the 2013 and 2014 seasons before being placed in the second tier of British American Football following a reshuffle of the League structure. They hold seven Divisional titles to their name having won their division in 1995, 1997, 2003, 2008, 2021, 2023 and 2024. The club has reached three Division 1 bowl games, losing in both 1997 and 2003,but defeating the Rushmoor Knights 49-9 in 2024 following their promotion to the Premiership North.
History
edit
The Caesars began play in 1992, in competition with the cross-town Nottingham Hoods.[1][2] The Hoods saw some success including a conference championship in 1992 under the leadership of import players Mike Grossner and Vic Quirolo.[3] The Hoods stopped play in 1994, and this boosted the Caesars considerably, who then posted an undefeated 10–0 record in 1995. Since then, the Caesars have seen moderate success, with 3 conference championships including a trip to the Britbowl in 1997, ending in defeat to the Redbridge Fire 26–7.[2]
Although the team lost out to the Tamworth Phoenix in the 2008 semi-finals, due to the league reshuffle the team earned promotion and in 2008 played in the BAFL 1 South West Conference. The Caesars struggled in 2009 picking up just two wins, 2010 was even less successful with their only win coming at home to the South Wales Warriors on the last day of the season, however this was enough to keep them in Division 1.
In 2012, the Caesars had a good season with an influx of Rookies joining already established players the "Big C" finished with a 7–3 record and made the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Caesars fell at the quarter-final stage away to the Berkshire Renegades.
In 2013, the Caesars were moved into the National Premier Division and it was a season of transition and adjustment to a higher standard of football. The Caesars finished the season with a 1–9 record. In 2014, the Caesars continued in the National Premier Division and made strides forward providing greater competition against Premiership opponents and making a name for themselves as fierce competitors
In 2015, the Caesars played in the Northern Football Conference and finished with a record of 4 wins, 5 losses and a tie.[4] 2016 season brought a successful season with the club making the playoffs in the newly formed MFC 1. With wins against Peterborough Saxons, Ouse Valley Eagles, Doncaster Mustangs and the Birmingham Bulls they finished the year with a 6–4 record and were eventually beaten in a closely fought game against the Edinburgh Wolves.
2020 Saw a huge Overhaul coming on Offense with new Coordinator, Grant Lawless, bringing in several coaches with him. The season was cancelled though due to COVID-19. However, a good pre season and solid showing against the Hertfordshire Cheetahs in a scrimmage will be a good platform to build upon for 2021.
In 2023, the Nottingham Caesars worked hard in the off-season with a solid recruitment drive of talented coaching staff and players to bolster their roster which marked a cultural shift within the team. The Caesars achieved their first undefeated regular season (10-0-0) in 28 years since 1995, coming top of the NFC South 1 and securing a first round bye in the playoffs. Following a successful semi-final at home vs the Scunthorpe Alphas, the Caesars lost in the final away at the Northumberland Vikings.
Stadium
editThe Nottingham Caesars play their home games at the David Ross Sports Village based at the University of Nottingham which it shares with the Great Britain Lions National team as their practice facility.
The Caesars previously held their home games at the Harvey Hadden Stadium in Bilborough. The club had been based at the Stadium since the 1980s except a one-year stay at Devon Park, Newark in 1996 and another year at Ilkeston RFC in 2022.
Coaching staff
edit| Role | Name | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Coach |  Vanden Warner
| ||
| Offensive / Special Teams Coordinator | Grant Lawless
| ||
| Defensive Coordinator | Simon Hand
| ||
| Assistant Defensive Coordinator | Mike Holden
| ||
| Quality Control | Adrian Giles
| ||
| Quarterback Coach | Grant Scott
| ||
| Offensive line coach | Lloyd Stone |
Charles Eardely |
Jonathan Allred
|
| Running Backs Coach | Vanden Warner
| ||
| Tight Ends Coach |  Daniil Khazov
| ||
| Wide Receivers Coach | Alex Bartley
| ||
| Assistant Special Teams Coordinator | Grant Scott
| ||
| Defensive Backs Coach | Simon Hand |
 Mike Romano |
Will Hobbs
|
| Linebacker Coach | Mike Holden |
Dean Malpass
| |
| Defensive Line Coach | Josh Marriott |
Declan Hutchinson
| |
| Sports Therapist | Becky Stratfull
| ||
| Offensive Analysts | Phil Macgovern |
Robert Bryce
| |
| Defensive Analyst | Karl Scott
| ||
| Film Coordinator | Mark Price
| ||
| Junior Team Head Coach | Sean Endicott
|
Roster
edit|
Quarterbacks
Offensive linemen
Tight ends
|
Wide receivers
Running backs
Kickers
|
Defensive linemen
Linebackers
|
Defensive backs
|
Team records
editAs Nottingham Hoods
| Year | Division | Wins | Losses | Ties | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Merit Table | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| 1985 AFL | Midlands Division | 7 | 5 | 0 | 0.583 |
| 1986 BAFL | National League Central Conference | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0.750 |
| 1987 Budweiser League | National Division Western Conference | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0.700 |
| 1988 Budweiser League | National Division Midlands Conference | 4 | 9 | 1 | 0.270 |
| 1989 Budweiser League | National Division Midlands Conference | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0.450 |
| 1990 NDMA | Northern Conference | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0.500 |
| 1991 NDMA | First Division Northern Conference | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0.900 |
| 1992 NDMA | Division One Northern Conference | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0.900 |
| 1993 NDMA | Central Conference | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0.625 |
| 1994 BAFA | Division One | 2 | 8 | 0 | 0.200 |
As Nottingham Caesars
| Year | Division | Wins | Losses | Ties | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 BAFA | Division Three North East Conference | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| 1996 BSL | Division Two Northern Conference | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0.600 |
| 1997 BSL | Division One Northern Conference | 7 | 1 | 2 | 0.889 |
| 1998 BSL | Division One Northern Conference | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0.500 |
| 1999 BSL | Division One Northern Conference | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0.667 |
| 2000 BSL | Division One Northern Conference | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0.250 |
| 2001 BSL | Division One Northern Conference | 1 | 7 | 0 | 0.125 |
| 2002 BSL | Division Two Northern Conference | 7 | 1 | 2 | 0.889 |
| 2003 BSL | Division Two Northern Conference | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0.995 |
| 2004 BSL | Division One A Northern Conference | 3 | 6 | 1 | 0.335 |
| 2005 BAFL | 1A Northern Conference | 2 | 7 | 1 | 0.225 |
| 2006 BAFL | 1A Northern Conference | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 2007 BAFL | 2 Central Conference | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0.800 |
| 2008 BAFL | 2 Central Conference | 9 | 0 | 1 | 0.995 |
| 2009 BAFL | 1 South West Conference | 2 | 8 | 0 | 0.200 |
| 2010 BAFL | 1 South West Conference | 1 | 9 | 1 | 0.115 |
| 2011 BAFANL | 1 Central Conference | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0.600 |
| 2012 BAFANL | 1 Northern Conference | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0.700 |
| 2013 BAFANL | Premier Division | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0.100 |
| 2014 BAFANL | Premier Division | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0.111 |
| 2015 BAFANL | 1 Northern Conference | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0.445 |
| 2016 BAFANL | Midlands Football Conference 1 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0.600 |
| 2017 BAFANL | Northern Conference Division 1 South | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0.700 |
| 2018 BAFANL | Northern Conference Division 1 South | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0.400 |
| 2019 BAFANL | Northern Conference Division 1 South | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0.500 |
| 2021 BAFANL* | Central East | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| 2022 BAFANL | Northern Conference Division 1 South | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0.700 |
| 2023 BAFANL | Northern Conference Division 1 South | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| 2024 BAFANL | Northern Conference Division 1 Midlands | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
Covid-19 Amalgamated League Season*
Playoffs
edit| Year | Opponent | W/L | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BAFANL | Edinburgh Wolves | Loss | 22–6 |
| 2023 BAFANL | Scunthorpe Alphas | Win
Loss |
20-6
34-13 |
| 2024 BAFANL | Scunthorpe Alphas | Win
Win Win |
45-6
21-10 49-9 |
Division 1 North Promotion game (2023, 2024)*
Britbowl XXXVI Division 1 National Championship game (2024)**
Junior Team
editThe Nottingham Caesars also field a Junior team in the U19 competition.
| Year | Division | Wins | Losses | Ties | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 BAFANL U19 | North Two | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0.750 |
| 2016 BAFANL U19 | South Two | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0.500 |
| 2017 BAFANL U19 | North | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
| 2018 BAFANL U19 | |||||
| 2019 BAFANL U19 | 1 North | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0.200 |
| 2021 BAFANL U19 | 1 Midlands | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 2022 BAFANL U19 | 1 Midlands | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0.750 |
| 2023 BAFANL U19 | 1 Midlands | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1.000 |
Playoffs
edit| Year | Opponent | W/L | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BAFANL U19 Plate Semi | London Blitz | W | 12–0 |
| 2016 BAFANL U19 Plate Final | Highland Wildcats | L | 22–14 |
| 2017 BAFANL U19 National Semi | East Kilbride | L | |
| 2017 BAFANL U19 Plate Final | Birmingham Lions | L | |
| 2023 BAFANL U19 National Final | London Blitz | L |
References
edit- ^ "60 seconds with American Football team Nottingham Caesars head coach Barry Boseley". Nottingham Post. 31 October 2014. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
- ^ a b "Nottingham Caesars". britballnow.co.uk. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
- ^ "Nottingham Hoods". britballnow.co.uk. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
- ^ "Standings 15". dblcoverage.com. Double Coverage. Archived from the original on 14 March 2015. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
- ^ http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/Britball Teams/NottinghamHoods.htm [bare URL]
- ^ http://www.britballnow.co.uk/History/Britball Teams/NOTTINGHAMCAESARS.htm [bare URL]