The Basingstoke Cavaliers, formed in July last year, are currently playing on uneven ground at the War Memorial Park in Crossborough Hill.
Flag American Football is a non-contact version of American football, where two teams of five players wear flags around their hips. The removal of these flags by the opposing team serves as the non-contact equivalent of tackling.
Andy Orem, Basingstoke Cavaliers' founder, believes that a well-maintained pitch is essential for playing the game properly and safely.
Andy Orem _(Image: Supplied)_
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He said: “We originally trained at Popley Fields but moved to the War Memorial Park as we felt it was flatter. However, three or four weeks ago, a player sprained his ankle because of a rabbit hole. We need a proper pitch.”
Pitches in Basingstoke are available for booking through the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC), but only two sports can reserve them at a time. Currently, they are allocated to football and rugby.
Mr Orem was offered a trial on a pitch but only if the team adhered to football (soccer) rules. He feels the Council should do more to support a wider variety of sports in the community.
He said: “We are being excluded and not recognised as a sport. Flag American Football will be in the 2028 Olympics—every country has a national team. I would love to see someone representing not just Great Britain, but also Basingstoke at the Olympics.”
Mr Orem had planned to organise competitions and events to bring large crowds to Basingstoke, including a Fourth of July Americana Tournament featuring NFL players and performances from a traditional country band. However, he was forced to cancel the event due to the lack of a pitch.
Basingstoke Cavaliers action shot training at Popley Fields _(Image: Supplied)_
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When contacted about the possibility of a permanent home for the Basingstoke Cavaliers, a BDBC spokesperson said: “We have been working with the American Flag Football club to try to book pitches for them. The borough council’s grass pitches are available to book for a wide range of sports between September and April. Between May and August, they are unavailable as the council undertakes maintenance and rests the pitches to prepare them for the following season. A number of artificial pitches are also available for hire year-round.
“Only a whole pitch or multiple pitches can be booked. Bookings can be made from four weeks in advance to a minimum of a few days before, for example, by the end of a Wednesday for the following Saturday. At weekends, separate booking times are allocated for adult and youth teams to meet safeguarding responsibilities.”
Despite the lack of a dedicated pitch, the Basingstoke Cavaliers continue to train weekly and are looking to expand their team. They practise every Saturday from 12pm to 2.30pm at the War Memorial Park and welcome new members to join their sessions.