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Lancashire Wolverines

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Lancashire Wolverines
Founded1989; 35 years ago (1989)
LeagueBAFA National Leagues
DivisionNFC 1 Central
Team historyWigan Wolverines (1988-1989)
Lancashire Chieftains (1986-1989)
Lancashire Wolverines (1989-)
LocationPreston, Lancashire
StadiumUCLAN Sports Arena
ColoursBlack Helmets, Grey Jerseys, Black Pants
Head coachIan Nicholson
Division titles2: 2011, 2012
Playoff berths13: 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018
Websitehttp://www.lancashire-wolverines.co.uk/

The Lancashire Wolverines are an American football team based in Preston, Lancashire, England, who compete in the BAFA National Leagues NFC 2 North, the third level of British American Football.[1]

They currently operate from the UCLAN Sports Arena and were formed in 1989 but were a coming together of two previous sides that had folded, the Wigan Wolverines and the Lancashire Chieftains. The Wolverines folded again in 2004 but had reformed and been re-instated by 2007. Aside from their current home, the team has previously operated from other towns within the area namely Blackburn and Wigan in Greater Manchester.

History

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The Wolverines first competed in British American Football from 1989 and were present until 2004 when off-field problems caused them to pull out of the league. They were formed from the remnants of the Wigan Wolverines, and were bolstered by the merger with the Lancashire Chieftains in 1990. The Wolverines competed in the BNGL during its six-year existence, and thereafter have been in the British American Football League.

Lancashire have made the playoffs on 7 occasions, but have yet to win a Bowl. They reached the BSL Division Two final in 1998 and were promoted to Division One only to quickly return in 1999.

Wolverines logo until 2004.

Division one status was regained in 2002, and the Wolverines finished that season with a 3-7-0 record. A better year in 2003, resulted in a winning record in Division One with a 5-2-1 record, this season included the only ever Wolverines away victory against the Birmingham Bulls American Football Team, the game was very close with the final score 6-0 to Lancashire. Birmingham responded by handing out a 50-8 reply in the end of season playoffs.

Despite location in a new venue in 2004 (the impressive Bolton Arena), the Wolverines pulled out of the league mid-season.

Back in the league, after a few years, the Wolverines went 9-1 in the 2011 season in division 2. They were beaten at the semi-final stage of the post season, but regardless of this were granted promotion to Division 1 North in a league reshuffle.[2]

In 2016 the Wolverines started training camps in hopes to recruit young players to join the team.[3]

Academy

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The Lancashire Wolverines as an 18 year old+ squad are the senior team in the Lancashire Academy of Football [1] . The teams under the academy banner are:

  • Lancashire Wolverines, adult (18+) kitted team
  • Lancaster Bombers, University kitted team
  • UCLan Rams, University kitted team
  • Chorley Buccaneers, cadet (7-11yr olds), junior flag teams (11-14yr olds) & youth kitted team (14-16 year olds).
  • Standish Raiders, junior flag teams (11-14yr olds) & youth kitted team (14-16 year olds).

Seasonal Records

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Year Conference Record
2019 BAFA NL Division One North 7-3-0
2018 7-2-1
2017 BAFA NL Premier Division South 0-10-0
2016 BAFA NL Premier Division North 3-7-0
2015 8-2-0
2014 6-3-0
2013 5-5-0
2012 BAFA NL Division One North 7-3-0
2011 BAFA NL Division Two 9-1-0
2010 BAFL Division Two North 6-4-0
2009 5-4-1
2008 6-4-0
2007 4-6-0
2004 BSL Division One Northern 3-7-0
2003 5-2-1
2002 3-7-0
2001 BSL Division Two Northern 7-0-1
2000 2-5-1
1999 BSL Division One Northern 0-10-0
1998 BSL Division Two North Eastern 9-1-0
1997 BSL Division One Northern 0-10-0
1996 BSL Division Two Northern 1-9-0
1995 BAFA Division Two North/Midlands 9-1-0
1994 5-2-1
1993 BNGL Premier Division Midlands 9-1-0
1992 BNGL Premier Division Northern 8-2-0
1991 BNGL Premier Division North Western 4-6-0
1990 BNGL First Division North Western 8-1-1
1989 BNGL First Division Northern B 4-5-1

References

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  1. ^ Marshall, Jake (6 May 2021). "Touchdown Wolverines: Flying the Lancashire flag on the American Football field". Lancashire Evening Post. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
  2. ^ "Our history – Lancashire Wolverines | the Northwest's Premier American Football Club".
  3. ^ "GET INVOLVED: Lancashire Wolverines to host American Football rookie camps in Blackburn". Lancashire Telegraph. 12 January 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
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