The Glasgow University Tigers American football team was established in 1986 and is historically one of the city’s most successful sports teams. The Tigers compete in the BUCS league against rival teams from both Scotland and England. The team is also very active socially around the university, regularly getting involved in sports association events as well as joint parties and socials with other sports teams.
Who Can Join the Glasgow University Tigers?
Due to the wide range of positions to choose from, American football is a sport that’s accessible for people of all body types. The Glasgow University Tigers team is mixed gender, and both former teammates, such as Dr Adam Alexander, and current members of the squad are proud of its inclusive team ethic. No prior knowledge of the sport is required to join the team, and registered players are provided with all the kit they need.
There are no try-outs required, but a commitment to attend training sessions regularly is encouraged. For those who haven’t participated in the sport before, there is a taster session at the beginning of every Autumn term, which is a chance for interested individuals to find out if the sport would suit them.
How American Football is Played
A normal game of American football is played between two teams of 11 players on the field, competing over four quarters of 15 minutes each. The aim of the game is to get the ball into the opposition’s ‘end zone.’ This can be done by either passing the ball downfield to a teammate or running with the ball until tackled.
The ultimate goal is for a team to score more points than the other side. Touchdowns are worth six points and are scored when a team member crosses the goal line of the opposition with the ball or collects or catches the ball in the end zone. A field goal will bag the team three points and involves kicking the ball through the upright posts. An extra point – which can be worth one or two points – can be achieved by kicking the ball through the upright posts following a touchdown or taking the ball once more into the end zone: as the latter is more difficult, most teams opt to try for the former. Teams can also earn two points by tackling a member of the opposing side with the ball in their own end zone.