Women’s European Championships pt2

Just back from the Women’s Championships, I thought I’d just jot down some musings as I’m not fit to shoot today’s games (Northern weather – pah)

The final result was down to the last game GB V Finland which needed the GB Lions to win by 6 clear points. A Finnish touchdown in the last few minutes needed the formula getting out to decide the placings. A final result of GB 18 Finland 14 meant that Finland came out as champions followed by Sweden, GB and Austria.

The MVP’s for the GB V Finland game at the 2019 Womens European Championship at John Charles Stadium Leeds.
Great Britain Quarterback #11 Sydney Green and Finland Defensive back #15 Jonna Tuovinen

Results, however, aren’t the whole story. A team of volunteers made sure that everything was ready on each match day, looked after the teams and made a great event. There are so many that it is unfair to single anyone out.

The game day management team at the 2019 Womens European Championship at John Charles Stadium Leeds.

The big thing for me was the people who got behind the teams and came out to watch and promote the game, as the games were live streamed I don’t know how many more people saw that as well.

Saturday the stadium was rocking. Sweden had Magnus and his drum with a very vocal fan base. Not to be outdone the Finnish fans had raided Ikea I think to find utensils to bang. Everyone else just used good, old fashioned voice power to cheer their sides on.

A few players suffered injuries during the week which took them out of the game. Get well soon ladies.

These events become social events as well, catching up with people you have met at games around the country for me and around Europe for many players.

The MVP’s for the Sweden V Austria game at the 2019 Womens European Championship at John Charles Stadium Leeds. Sweden Quarterback #10 Linda Johansson and Austria Quarterback #7 Cornelia Pripfi

I hope that the aftermath of this event is to bring Womens American Football into the view of more people and to raise the profile of American Football in this Country at all levels. There is always room for more players, coaches and officiating team members. Particularly the latter. Just like in soccer if there is a shortfall in officials the teams in lower divisions lose out. If you’d like to find out more BAFRA, the officials organisation, would love to hear from you.

The MVP’s for the GB V Austria game at the 2019 Womens European Championship at John Charles Stadium Leeds.
Austria Defensive back #20 Teresa Müllebner and Great Britain Defensive Line #55 Rachael Moody

Many Universities have teams so if you, or a member of your family is off to university I have no doubt that the teams there are looking for new talent. Their season kicks off in November. The women’s teams around the Country are recruiting now ready for the start of their competitions.

Austria Defensive Line #90 Sabine Rechbauer and Finland #34 Tytti Kuusinen the MVPs of The Finland V Austria game of the 2019 Womens European Championship at John Charles Stadium Leeds.

The MVP’s for the GB V Sweden game at the 2019 Womens European Championship at John Charles Stadium Leeds.
Great Britain #21 Running Back Ruth Matta and Sweden Wide Receiver #84 Karin Ullén

The MVP’s for the Sweden V Finland game at the 2019 Womens European Championship at John Charles Stadium Leeds.
Sweden Wide Receiver #84 Karin Ullén and Finland Running Back #34 Tytti Kuusinen

Update

If you would like to look at the galleries for the games they are at the following links