Edinburgh Wolves - American Football in the capital

The team will return to train together after several months of offseason rest and private workouts, and will be bolstered by the addition of several new players and coaches. New players are still able to join the team, and are welcome to join returning players, as well as those that took part in the pre-christmas rookie workouts, and should make their way to the Jack Kane Centre for this Sunday 8th January for a 10:45 registration. Training will be held on the astro turf pitch, so players are advised to bring appropriate footwear and clothing.

The Super Bowl is on the horizon, the BCS title game is just around the corner and so is the 2012 season for the Edinburgh Wolves and it can’t come soon enough.

Wolves Head Coach Don Edmonston is still hurting after losing their 2010 Scottish Division 2 title to the West Coast Trojans and has vowed “to do what needs to be done” to retain their title in 2012: “We under-performed in 2011, no doubt about it, but we have worked tirelessly in recruiting new players and coaches and should have more news on this later, because we’re not finished yet” said Edmonston with a grin on his face.

The wolves have heavily recruited 3 new coaches in the offseason and filled the positions of assistant head coach, offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator.

The new assistant head coach is Dennis Stockblom from Stockholm in Sweden. He was the offensive coordinator and quarter back coach with the Stockholm Mean Machine,a Swedish powerhouse. Coach Stockblom played as an offensive lineman and has coached and played at every level in Sweden, with Stockholm being perennial playoff visitors and champions. He has recruited and coached 4 NCAA quarterbacks and his offense has always been highly rated. “Coach Stockblom will bring energy, enthusiasm and fresh ideas to the Wolves he wants a bowl game too” said Edmonston.

The new offensive coordinator is no stranger to the wolves players as he only retired this past season. Ex defensive back Andy MacIver takes on his first coordinator role after 3 seasons of coaching in the BUAFL with the Stirling Clansmen. Coach MacIver has been working with Coach Orr at Stirling University for 3 seasons and has attended the last 2 AFCA conventions in the U.S.A to further enhance his knowledge and understanding of the game. “What Coach MacIver will bring is determination, commitment and an understanding of a great passing offence”

The defensive coordinator’s role is filled by Northwest Missouri Linebacker Ben Langston; a Kansas native that has just come off a national championship side with his team. A 3 year player, Langston will bring much needed steel and experience to the young wolves’ defence. “Coach Langston’s credentials are fantastic, the level required to play in the national championships in 5 straight season’s shows what a great programme Northwest have and he will bring immeasurable knowledge, skill and drive to the team” The addition of the 3 new coaches really sets us up for regaining the title we lost last season” Edmonston said.

Coach Edmonston added “the wolves are lucky to have these 3 coaches who all have varying levels of experience but all showed the spirit we’re looking for to take us to the next level and I believe we will have the best coaching staff in Scotland as we also have former coaches David Molloy and Chip Lyall returning for the 2012 season taking over RB’s and LB’S respectively”.When asked what his vision was for the upcoming season Coach Edmonston replied “ I have put the pressure on the players by adding a great new staff, they all know what I expect and it is simply to fulfil our potential as we can’t continue being the nearly men, we need to win and win now”

Edinburgh Wolves are also happy to announce that Wolves TV will be back this year, but is now called GridIronTV and is bigger and better with a new format aimed to keep our fans up to date with all new developments and will kick off with the introduction of the new coaches in mid-December. GridIronTV will now be showing Wolves’ highlights and look to have interviews with coaches and players from across BAFANL with the emphasis on trying to promote the sport in this country and are hopefully going to stream home games live from Meadowbank Stadium in 2012. If you would like a feature on your club or you have a story to tell, email gridirontv@gmail.com for information.

Edinburgh Wolves 27 - 14 Carlisle Border Reivers. Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh.

This week the Wolves will continue their season closing home game triple line up with a return match against conference leaders, West Coast Trojans. The two teams met previously at Scotstoun stadium, Glasgow with a disappointing result for the east coast team. The team will be hoping for a better result the second time around, and we would like to invite you all to take advantage of this period of good weather to join us at Meadowbank stadium to watch the game.

Both of the Wolves' touchdowns came from running back James Foster, following sustained amounts of pressure from the Wolves offence. Although both teams had sustained drives, the Wolves defence were able to stand firm against the Wildcat attacks, with interceptions and forced fumbles to break up their rythm, whilst the Wolves offence used the power of their running game combined with some skillful catches to ensure the win.

The team have 2 games remaining in the 2011 season, both at home at Meadowbank Stadium. The next game will be a return match against division leaders, West Coast Trojans.

This weekend, the Edinburgh Wolves return to action after a mid-season break to face the Highland Wildcats from Inverness.

The two teams have already faced each other once this year, and the Wolves came out victorious, 21 - 15. After a 2 week break, Edinburgh are keen to return to winning ways and follow up on their initial victory over the visiting team. Fans are invited to join the team on Sunday 17th July at Meadowbank Stadium. The game kicks off at 12pm, and we want as many people to join us as possible in the summer sun.

Clyde Valley Blackhawks 7 - 13 Edinburgh Wolves. 19th June, Beltane Field, Wishaw.

The Blackhawks struck first early in the first quarter, when a mistake from the Wolves' offence gave up poor field position and ended in a touchdown to open the scoring. However, after several tough defensive stands from both teams, the Wolves struck back with WR Stu Harrison, who turned a 1 yard pass into a 35 yard touchdown run. Keiran Smith added the extra point for Edinburgh, and the teams went into half time tied, 7-7.

The third quarter passed with more defensive stands keeping the teams in a stalemate, with neither team able to add to the scoreline. In the fourth quarter, tensions began to rise as each team tried to make the break through. With time running out, the Wolves looked to end the game with a long pass that was intercepted by the Clyde Valley safety. However, a game-saving tackle from WR Steve MacDonald forced a fumble that the Wolves pounced on to keep the drive alive. A few plays later, a certain touchdown pass slipped narrowly past the fingers of WR Allan Price, leaving the Wolves less than ten seconds with a 4th & 1 with 30 yards to go. Backup quarterback Jamie Morrison kept his nerve and lofted a prefect pass to WR Stu Harrison, who took the ball into the endzone with 3 seconds left in the game. A failed extra point put the score at 13-7.

3 early scores from the home team gave them a strong lead, before the Wolves were able to turn the momentum back in their favour, starting with a spectacular one-handed catch from WR Stu Harrison, followed by a sprint through the defence to open the scoring for Edinburgh. Their second score came at the end of the second half, with the Wolves driving down field against the clock. The drive was nearly halted when it appeared that Glasgow would intercept the ball, but an excellent show of awareness saw WR Allan Price dive and strip possession from the defender. This set up a short pass to WR Stu Galloway which, along with a successful 2 PAT, brought the score to 20-14.

The team now have a short break in games to rest and recoup, before playing the Clyde Valley Blackhawks on Sunday 19th June.

Edinburgh Wolves 21 - 15 Highland Wildcats. 22nd May, Highland Rugby club, Inverness

A depleted Wolves squad made the best of their longest journey this year with a second consecutive win, beating the Highland Wildcats, 21-15.

Both teams entered the contest with equal records of 1-2, and the win takes the Wolves closer to defending their 2010 title.

The Wolves opened the scoring with a 27 yard pass to WR Stu Harrison, who broke several tackles and took advantage of several key blocks to get to the end zone.

The second score followed quickly, as the defence forced a turnover close to the highland end zone. A subsequent rushing touchdown from RB James "Stiffler" Foster and a successful PAT conversion made the score 14-0.

The third score came from an intelligent play from Campbell Lewis, who took advantage of some confusion on a very short punt to run back unimpeded to bring the score to 21-0 (PAT was successful).

2 late passing touchdowns from the Wildcats and a field goal brought the score to 21-15, but the Wolves defence were able to resist several more attempts to score, and ran out the clock to seal the win for the visiting team.

The team are in action again this weekend, traveling to face the Glasgow Tigers on Sunday 29th May at Lochinch Park.

This weekend, the Wolves will be traveling to Inverness to face the Highland Wildcats for the first time this season. Following the first win of the season, the Wolves will undertake their longest road trip of the year to try and build on their success and remain in contention to defend their title. Both teams currently have the same win-loss records, and the result of this match will begin to separate a 3-way tie in the middle of the group.

This also begins a series of 4 games away from home in 5 weeks, before they return to Meadowbank on the 17th July.

The Edinburgh Wolves finally put 1 in the win column this Sunday afternoon at Meadowbank Stadium, with a 16-0 victory over the Glasgow Tigers. The win came as a big relief for head coach Don Edmonston who had watched his young squad lose the opening two games of the season to the Dundee Hurricanes.

The Wolves opened the scoring early through a 20 yard touchdown run from wide receiver Stuey Galloway. Both teams went through the rest of the 1^st quarter exchanging drives and it took until midway through the 2^nd quarter for the Wolves to score again. Kieran Smith converted a 27 yard field goal to give the Wolves a 9-0 lead going into half time.

The Tigers came out in the second half looking to claw their way back into the game but the Wolves had other ideas. The home team's defense held firm and did not allow their visitors any room to advance.

The afternoon was rounded off by a late touchdown pass from quarterback Lee Fraser to jubilant wide receiver Steve MacDonald. This was MacDonald’s first touchdown since his rookie season 2 years ago. Kieran Smith was successful with the resulting conversion to give the Wolves the victory.

Head coach, Don Edmonston, said, “We were glad to get the win that has eluded us so far. It wasn’t a good performance by any means but a win's a win. We now have a week off to fix the mistakes we made today and work on the fundamentals. We play Highland Wildcats on the 22^nd and we will be looking to improve on today’s game and take another win to set us on our way to a potential end of season playoff berth.”

The second home game of the season will feature the Glasgow Tigers, who recently beat common opponents Carlisle Border Reivers to open their season. The Wolves have faced the Tigers on many occasions in the past, which have created some exciting games. Last year, the Wolves came out on top narrowly on their way to taking the title. This game, however, holds additional importance for the home side, who are looking to get their first win of the season in order to continue last year's success.

Kick-off is this Sunday 8th May, 14:30 at Meadowbank Stadium, and we would like to welcome everybody down for what will be an exciting day. We would also like to thank the fans that came to the last game, and we hope to see you back this week. Tickets are only £3 for adults and £1 for kids, making it a cheap way to spend the day together enjoying the game.

As a reminder to our fans, entry to the game will be via the blue gates at the west end of the stand. If you are unsure, simply follow the signs that will be up all around the stadium.

Edinburgh Wolves 7 - 22 Dundee Hurricanes. Sunday 1st May, Meadowbank Stadium

For their second game of the season, the Edinburgh Wolves were welcomed back to Meadowbank stadium to take on the Dundee Hurricanes in the return leg of a season opening double-header. With both teams having faced each other before, the second match followed an unfortunately similar path, with Dundee winning 22-7.

After a good start, Dundee were able to take the lead with the first touchdown of the game. After a failed PAT, and with both teams' defences holding firm, the first half finished with the scoreline remaining at 6-0.

In the second half, it was Dundee who were first to score, building a 14-0 lead. The Wolves' first Meadowbank touchdown of 2011 came from a 2 yard sneak from QB Scott Hackett, who also scored for the side in the previous game. This capped a long drive, and with a successful PAT, brought the score back to 14-7. Unfortunately, an interception returned for a touchdown extended Dundee's lead to 22-7.

The Wolves' will be hosting their next game at Meadowbank stadium against the Glasgow Tigers on Sunday 8th May. Kick-off will be at 14:30, and the team would like to invite everybody to come down and enjoy the first 'M8 rivalry' of the season.

The Edinburgh Wolves invite you to their first home game of 2011. The team will be facing the Dundee Hurricanes in a re-match at Meadowbank Stadium on Sunday 1st May.

Kick-off is at 1pm, and tickets are only £3 for adults, £1 for kids and will be available at the door. With the long weekend approaching, it is an ideal chance to spend some time with the Wolves. Whether it is your first time watching the sport with friends and family or you are a loyal fan, we hope to see you on Sunday afternoon at the stadium!

Dundee Hurricanes 28 - 8 Edinburgh Wolves. Sunday 17th April, Dawson Park, Dundee.

Following their championship season of 2010, the Wolves opened their 2011 campaign looking for a win against former Division 1 side, Dundee Hurricanes as part of a double - headed match up that will be completed with the return leg to Meadowbank Stadium in two weeks time.

The two teams have faced each other many times in the past, producing several entertaining encounters. On this occasion, however, it was the northern team that prevailed, winning 28-8.

Both teams took time to gauge each other, not being able to move the ball much against fierce opposition. Later into the first quarter, Dundee made a breakthrough when Fraser Thomson caught a deflected pass and, following the subsequent 2 point conversion, the score stood at 8-0.

Following an impressive kick return from Steve MacDonald, the Wolves' offence threatened to bounce right back, but an interception halted the drive. However, the defence maintained the pressure and, with the ball placed on the 2 yard line, a fumble in the end zone lead to a defensive safety, turning the score to 8-2. Both teams failed to score any further before the end of the first half.

The third quarter went in favor of the home team, with 2 further scores taking them to a 20-2 lead, with another added early in the fourth quarter. The Wolves' first offensive points of the year capped a long drive in the final minutes of the game, when quarterback Scott Hackett followed a series of completed passes with a solo run into the corner of the endzone. With an unsuccessful 2 point conversion, the score remained at 28-8.

The Wolves will face Dundee again on the 1st May at Meadowbank Stadium. Kickoff is at 1pm. Following on from previous years, the game will be supported by live commentary and music, as well as hot & cold snacks. Tickets will be available on the day, but any enquiries can be made to the team through our 'contact us ' page.

The Wolves are making final preparations to start their 2011 BAFACL season against the Dundee Hurricanes. The team will travel to Dawson Park on Sunday to face the Hurricanes, who opened their season last weekend with a win against common rivals, Clyde Valley Blackhawks. After a series of impressive training sessions the team are optimistic about their progress, and are looking forward to their first competitive encounter of the year.

The team are also preparing for their first home game of the season at Meadowbank Stadium, also against Dundee Hurricanes, on the 1st May.

Updates on Sunday's game will be provided immediately after the match, and details of our first home game will also appear very soon.

The 2011 BAFACL schedule for the Edinburgh Wolves has been announced, with the reigning Scottish division 2 champions opening their season away against the Dundee Hurricanes on the 16th of April, 2011. The full schedule is listed on the left hand side of this home page.

The team will face a busy schedule in May, and will complete the first half of their regular season before the middle of the year, with 4 out of 6 games played away from home. Whilst this will provide an additional challenge the team, it also sets them up for a 3 game stretch to finish the season at home in front of their ever supportive crowds, closing the season out against rookie team Carlisle Border Reivers on the 7th of August.

The team is currently well under way in its preparations for competitive action with an impressive mixture of new and returning players, as well as an excellent coaching staff. More information about home games and ticket sales will be announced closer to the season, including kick-off times for each match.

Edinburgh Gridiron are pleased to announce that they will expand their current organisation to include a newly formed adult flag team. The new team, the Edinburgh Timberwolves, re-ignite the presence of an Edinburgh flag team, the original source of the senior Wolves from over 10 years ago.

The Timberwolves will be entering league competition in 2012 and will hopefully be playing friendlies this year. Any prospective players are to contact Liam Clutterbuck. Liam is an Edinburgh resident who contacted the club to offer his services in the organising of a senior Edinburgh flag team. He recently played with the Tayside Raptors but after injury he decided to look closer to home.

Wolves Hc Don Edmonston said "the Wolves were originally a flag team that went on to play kitted football, we are extremely happy that Liam has joined us, and that he will be running the flag team as a separate club with their own players and coaches, avoiding the pitfalls of players choosing between either flag or kitted"

If you wish to coach or play flag with the Timberwolves please contact them as soon as possible for details.

A Special Thank You To All Our Supporters

08/02/11

The Edinburgh Wolves would like to thank everyone who attended the annual Superbowl party at Sporsters on Sunday. A bumper crowd helped the team celebrate Green Bay's victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as providing a boost to Edinburgh's upcoming year through this fund raising event.

A fantastic group was able to bring together all of the traditional aspects of a Wolves Superbowl party, as well as gathering an enviable range of raffle prizes, which made their way to some very happy party-goers.

The team was also pleased at the response to the initial sales of season tickets, and we look forward to seeing everyone again at future events and at our first home game, which is scheduled for mid April at Meadowbak Stadium. We will continue to provide updated details for events soon.

Wolves Host Superbowl XLV

The Edinburgh Wolves are proud to announce the return of their annual Superbowl party, continuing the tradition of hosting their highly successful event, which will be held this year at Sporsters Bar & Grill on Sunday 6th February. Located on Market Street, Sporsters is a long-standing supporter of the team that provides a great venue for a fantastic atmosphere with food, drink and many widescreen TVs to view the action on.

The team will be in attendance to watch the Green Bay Packers challenge the Pittsburgh Steelers for world glory, and we would like to invite everyone to join us to make the night memorable! In addition to the main event, the team will be providing additional entertainment, including the legendary half time raffle draws that give give you the chance to leave the party with more than just great memories and a hangover.

Doors open at 9pm, with kick-off at 11pm and unlike some other venues in town, the bar will be licensed until the end of the game.

Tickets are now available for order, offering entry to the event for the entire night for only £5. Multiple tickets can also be ordered if required, and there will also be some tickets available at the door for late arrivals. Contact us at tickets@edinburghwolves.com

On Sunday, the Wolves hosted their annual Rookie Day at Meadowbank Stadium with great success. Around 40 attendees participated in a series of drills to introduce them to American football, and to allow them to meet the current squad of players and coaches. The Edinburgh Wolves would like thank all of the participants for attending and look forward to seeing them again this weekend.

This weekend, Sunday 23rd January, is the start of the Wolves' pre-season training in preparation for the 2011 season. Anyone who is still interested in joining the team is welcome to attend. Training is held at the Jack Kane Centre, and players are requested to arrive at 9:30am for equipment fitting and registration.

Edinburgh Wolves return to practice in preparation on the 16th of January, for the 2011 season and to try and "repeat" 2010's success.

Sunday the 16th of January sees the return of the annual rookie tryouts, these are based at the team's home venue, Meadowbank stadium. Registration is at 12pm and we will finish at 3.30pm prompt. All activities are indoors in hall 3, so indoor clothing and footwear is required. see the Facebook event page here .....

2011 looks like an exciting season, with a new committee, new recruits on the field and the return of some old favourites like the Super Bowl party, rookie day and our annual 3 day residential camp and player combine.

Last season was the Wolves' best to date with an impressive 8-2 record; each of the last 4 yrs the Wolves have improved year on year from 3-7 to 5-5 to 6-4 and lately 8-2, all the players and staff know that to carry on that improvement we must work harder than ever as the task is to gain promotion to Division 1.

The Wolves will also compete again at the Junior level with the new junior team the Edinburgh Coyotes, the youth team, Edinburgh Huskies, are looking to recruit heavily and build on the current squad of nearly 20 committed players. A newly appointed under-19 development officer is also working on an extensive schools flag programme and looking into an Edinburgh flag football team also.

The Wolves are looking to strengthen in all areas from players, coaches and backroom staff. Whether your a veteran of the game or a total new-comer there is a place for you in our team. We offer players, fans and staff the best gameday experience in Scotland with cheerleaders, a great venue in Meadowbank stadium, referees that are 'miked up' and merchandise is on sale at every game. You can also buy season tickets in advance.

Players have a team sports therapist, discounted physio and a fully detailed preseason conditioning plan including nutritional advice. We film all our games and have film sessions during preseason and in season. Film is also shared and uploaded online to aid players and coaches alike. We have some great deals with our sponsor Sportsters bar and grill and an experienced coaching staff to help reach your potetential.

Coaches are encouraged and helped to further their knowledge and have the use of an extensive coaching library with 50+ DVDs and books and online resources. Assistance is also offered to attend the annual BAFCA convention. New coaches are mentored by current coaching staff that have experience at GB senior and GB Bulldogs with experience at home and in Europe and the USA.

What do we want from potential new members? Simple, we want people who are willing to commit to giving their best effort and show enthusiasm and a desire to progress.

If you feel you need a new challenge why dont you come and see what we can offer.

all enquiries to

Don Edmonston - Head Coach
hc@edinburghwolves.com

03/01/2011

Since the end of their most successful season to date, in September, the Wolves have been enjoying time off from training and playing to recoup and enjoy other activities, ending 10 months of training and competition, which began in December 2009. The team will return to training in preparation for the 2011 season in January, with some introductory sessions for rookies and newcomers to the team happening beforehand.

During off seasons, many members of the team continue their sporting interests through different avenues, trying new sports or returning to others they’ve previously played.This form of ‘active resting’ allows many of the players to pursue their sporting enthusiasms in different ways and remain in a good physical condition. These vary from martial arts to football, rugby, cycling, lacrosse, fell running, basketball, gym routines and beyond.

In previous off seasons, some of the team members have also taken part in novel events, including the 2009 “Survival of the Fittest” 10km Edinburgh race, as well as 2 consecutive years in the Glasgow-Edinburgh Pedal for Scotland charity bike ride, with perennial team members Allan Price and Paul Jeffreys increasing the challenge by wearing their typical game day attire:

Many members of the team hold university degrees, and some are currently completing their studies, and are able to take part in the British Universities American Football League (BUAFL), which comprises 60 teams across the UK and competes during the autumn/winter seasons. This year, there are several players competing for the Napier University Knights and Edinburgh University Predators including offensive lineman (OL) Martin Punter and linebacker (LB) Dan Cameron.

Over the next few weeks, the Wolves will be announcing arrangements for rookie training sessions, as well as other team events, and we look forward to welcoming more people into american football in Edinburgh. We will also be bringing you more stories and information about the team, and american football in the UK.

Edinburgh Wolves 9 - 27 Shropshire Revolution : Sunday 5th September, Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh

The Wolves' first ever play-off game ended in a disappointing loss against the visiting Shropshire Revolution, a team the Wolves defeated 6-3 on the road to clinch this home play-off game and the Northern Conference Championship. With revenge on their minds and proving the old adage that in football it's difficult to beat a team twice in a season, Shropshire took advantage of field position and kept the Wolves offence out of the endzone.

Despite the homefield advantage with a seasons best crowd of over 250 for this their first ever play-off game, the Wolves weren't able to capitalise enough on the turnovers they forced from Shropshire. The Wolves opening touchdown was a interception return by Campbell Lewis, the other Wolves score coming on a return of a blocked extra point attempt.

The loss means the end of the Wolves 2010 season, and while the result is disappointing the overall performance of the year is a celebration with a best ever 8 win season, with the youngest average age of any Wolves squad. The future is bright for the Wolves and details will follow for the new Youth Program soon to compliment the successful Junior squad and of course the Adult team.

The season also marks the end of an era for the Wolves as husband and wife team Doug and Kat Adamson are to step down from their role as General Manager and Club Secretary. An announcement for the recruitment for those posts will be made shortly. Doug and Kat have been with the team from the very beginning and the Wolves wish them all the best as they move on to other challenges. We hope that all supporters will join the Wolves Organisation in thanking the dynamic duo who have been instrumental in putting together the Wolves double award winning home game experience as well as providing the key behind the scenes work necessary to deliver the best run football club in the UK.

Keep on the look out for Wolves news on this website during the off season and also follow our Twitter and Facebook pages.

Edinburgh Wolves 19 - 9 Glasgow Tigers : Sunday 15th August, Glasgow, Scotland

The Edinburgh Wolves have extended their winning streak to seven games and posted a best ever regular season record of 8-2 with a hard fought victory over the Glasgow Tigers.

While the Wolves had already secured the conference title the previous weekend on the road, the Tigers needed to win to remain in the play-off hunt. Once again the Wolves scored in all three phases of the game to tame the Tigers. A special team's touchdown for Stu Galloway was followed by a defensive interception for a touchdown by Dan Cameron, giving the Wolves a 13-3 lead at the half. The second half saw the Wolves extend their lead with James Foster's touchdown run before Glasgow picked up a late touchdown to pull them to within two scores by the end of the game.

WOLVES CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS AND PLAY-OFF BOUND AFTER ROAD VICTORY AGAINST REVOLUTION

Edinburgh Wolves 6 - 3 Shropshire Revolution : Saturday 7th August, Oakengates Leisure Centre, Telford, England

The Edinburgh Wolves have made team history and extended their 2010 season by making the Play-Offs as Scottish Conference Champions after a close fought 6-3 victory on the longest road trip of the year... so far.

The victory gives Edinburgh seven wins for the season and extends a six game winning streak. However, the play-off home game will have to wait until the weekend of the 5th September, as the Wolves still have one final regular season game to go which will be at the Glasgow Tigers next weekend (15th August).

SAVE MONEY WITH THE WOLVES WHEN YOU SHOP ON LINE AT THE BIG STORES