Manchester Titans Awarded Inaugural BAFA Community Heroes Award for Club of the Year

At the start of the year, BAFA introduced the Community Heroes Awards, “recognising and celebrating the people, clubs and organisations who bring to life the values at the heart of [BAFA’s] Together to Inspire strategy and help make Britball a better place for everyone.”

“Manchester Titans have been named our inaugural winners, recognising the breadth of their club, with teams competing across almost every level of BAFA competition. Their nomination also highlighted their contribution to the wider game, strong performances across contact and flag, and the game day experience they have developed at every level, including commentary, livestreams and opportunities for supporters to engage with the club.”

— BAFA

B West and Liam Twigg accepting the Club of the Year award at Britbowl XXXVIII. Photo by @BR7Film.

As a club we are honoured to have been nominated in this category and to accept this incredible award and we would like to thank BAFA for recognising the work on and off the field at the Manchester Titans this year. At Titans, we are firm believers that you have to be the change you wish to see - “the Manchester way is to make it yourself”.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank absolutely everyone at Manchester Titans for playing their part this year - no matter how big or small - and to put some of our behind-the-scenes heroes in the spotlight and give them their flowers for the remarkable way they have gone above and beyond.

Photo by Katie Stepek.

Stuart Robinson - Media Manager

Over the past couple of years Stuart has put an immense amount of time and effort into the Titans media strategy and improving our livestream product. We have gone from renting and borrowing pieces of equipment from universities to investing into our own; from a one-camera set-up to a 2-3 angle broadcast; from static graphics to creative and dynamic overlays and engaging production effects. Stuart is constantly learning new ways to tweak and improve the stream, and we have made incredible strides thanks to his commitment to streaming every Titans event he possibly could this year. Every game is a new opportunity to implement solutions to past mistakes, make some more mistakes, and learn from those, rinse repeat.

In a bid to make Titans football accessible to watch for everyone regardless of where they are in the world, in the past 12 months we have not only live-streamed our Premiership team’s games, but also those of our Women’s Contact team, our U19s, our U16s, and both Mixed and Women’s Flag. We not only reach our players’ families and friends living further afield, but we also reach (a surprising amount of) fans globally - we frequently see North Americans commenting on our YouTube live-chat while having their breakfast! It may not be an “NFL on Fox” standard broadcast (yet) but by putting ourselves out there we’re telling the world “We exist, we care about this, and we hope you do too.”

Stuart has a zero tolerance policy with regards to generative AI across the Titans media strategy because it’s important to us that we champion human creativity and talent and provide opportunities for creatives from all walks of life to do what they love. He has engaged current members, ex-members, local university students, fans, and entirely unaffiliated enjoyers of American Football who want to use their talents to help the club in some way: we now have a core group of volunteers who provide livestream commentary, work on the stream production, do photography, videography, graphic design, and other content creation across the wider club. He has been instrumental in building relationships with local creatives and fostering a community dedicated to capturing the club’s energy and passion, narrating the club’s epic highs and lows, and creating beautiful imagery for our members and fans alike to enjoy. 

If you enjoy or are interested in graphic design, creating content, filming videos, working on a live broadcast, editing highlights, writing, interviewing - or anything to do with media we’ve not mentioned here - get in touch with Stuart at media@manchestertitans.co.uk.

Photo by James Camenzuli.

B West - Game Day Manager

If you’ve been to a Titans game day this year you will undoubtedly have seen B in and around the stadium hard at work in their high-vis vest. From organising food vendors and negotiating facility requirements to designing games for fans and running half-time entertainment, they took on an absolutely mammoth task this year and gave it their all. 

There are a million things to do on a Saturday afternoon (or evening!) in Manchester so B and the game day team keep their ear to the ground during game days to find out what our fans love and what keeps them coming back. Our merch desk is not only a bright royal blue beacon for arriving fans but also a hub for suggestions, support, and feedback. After every game day the team goes through a thorough review of the event to ensure the next one is even better. It’s a constantly evolving process and it’s fantastic to see our events grow and to see our supporters enjoy each new addition and improvement. 

In the past two years our Premiership game day attendance has increased from a handful of friends and family at regular season games in 2023 to an average attendance of 300 in 2026 culminating with over 500 spectators in the grandstand for our semi-final fixture against London Blitz. Not only have we improved our game day product for the Premiership team but we have expanded this approach to game day management across every team in the club to ensure all Titans home events have a uniform look and feel - every event follows the same structure and contains most of the same features depending on the wants and needs of each individual team/discipline. Not every team will want flares and a bombastic run-out, but the option is always on the table.

Our thanks go out to B and the game day team for making our events so special this year and for continuing to push the envelope on what’s possible for our club! If you’ve enjoyed our game days and want to get involved behind the scenes, get in touch with B at gameday@manchestertitans.co.uk.

Photo by Farrell James.

Gareth “Gaz” Shadwell - Retail and Commerce Manager

Alongside being a player for the Titans’ Premiership team, Gaz has worked tirelessly this year on our merchandise offering - both to players and to fans. He oversees the complete end to end process of Titans merchandising, from the designs to the deliveries. The lofty goal was to bring our merchandising entirely in-house so we could provide new and unique merch designs to our players and fans and offer an extensive range to display and sell at our in-person game day shop. 

Thanks to Gaz, his retail team, and our fantastic Club Shop volunteers we achieved this goal incredibly (but not surprisingly) quickly. Gaz’s love for this club and his enthusiasm for creating unique designs on high quality but affordable apparel that fans and players actually want to wear has been instrumental in the commercial success of our merchandise, both online and at games. It’s important to us that we can quickly turn around new collections and designs based on the feedback from our club members and our fans.

So if you have ideas and suggestions for merchandise you would like to see or would like to join our retail team, we would love to hear from you! Get in touch with Gaz at g.shadwell@manchestertitans.co.uk.

Photo by Rory Macnair.

Madeleine Tjalma - Head of Communications, Equipment Manager, Adult Contact Team Manager

Working in tandem with George on almost all aspects of operations, Maddy sits at the heart of much of the invisible work that makes the Manchester Titans run like a well-oiled machine or a swan, if you will, gliding gracefully across the water. What you don’t see is its feet frantically paddling beneath the surface propelling it forward. That’s Maddy. A near unstoppable engine of energy working day and night to ensure that things in the club work as efficiently as possible. 

Over the past 2 years Maddy has led the club’s equipment strategy, not only increasing the club’s stock of helmets from 15 in December 2024 to 85 at the start of the 2026 season but also implementing a kit catalogue to meticulously track how much kit the club has, to whom it’s been signed out, and when it will need replacing. For a club of over 200 members playing contact football, this has revolutionised our ability to provide safe kit to everyone who needs it but also protect our investment by knowing where it should be at all times. 

She’s also the driving force behind the Titans’ wider community outreach, organising a Titans presence at external events such as NFL watch parties and the upcoming Union Jack Classic College Football game in London, and engaging with youth zones and schools to bring American Football to more children in the Greater Manchester area. She is the de facto Titans Press Office, handling the majority of in- and outbound general enquiries and building positive working relationships with BAFA, other clubs, and other external stakeholders.

Photo by Hannah McManus.

George Foster - Head of Operations, Adult Contact Head Coach

It would be remiss of the author to not mention the mastermind behind the operation - or rather, all of the operations - the man who sits across everything the club does operationally, the brains behind the vast majority of club strategy, and somehow also the Head Coach for the Premiership team. George has an ambitious vision for the Manchester Titans, a relentless drive to realise it, and the ability to inspire those around him to make his vision a reality. He’s also not shy about getting stuck into the grunt work himself and getting his hands dirty - quite literally, as he spent about 10 hours painting the Titans sword logo on the stadium pitch for the semi-final. 

As Head of Operations, George has overseen the implementation of the new website and the streamlining of member registrations and payments, club-wide financial reporting and roll-out of the new game day product and livestream, and fostered collaboration and improved communication across all teams in the club. The majority of the work done by the operations team is invisible - it’s about structures, processes, and governance - all the unsexy things that make a club of this (or any) size run smoothly. In creating the operations team, the aim was to separate the day-to-day running of the club from individual team requirements, allowing coaches and players to focus on football secure in the knowledge that their game days, travel, finances, and overhead admin were all taken care of centrally by Club Operations. 

The creation of the Operations Team has quite frankly revolutionised how our club operates and we would like to take this opportunity to thank George for the endless hours of work he and his team have put in and continue to put in to drive the Manchester Titans forward. 

If you would like to be a part of the Operations Team, please get in touch with George at george.foster@manchestertitans.co.uk. 

Our incredible Elisa and club shop manager Karina Foster (yes, that’s George’s mum). Photo by James Camenzuli.

It’s not easy to put structures in place to help everyone in the club pull in the same direction, but it’s not complicated either. It’s not easy to recruit and retain volunteers to turn your grand ideas into a reality, but it’s not complicated either. All of these things do require structured and sustained effort over time and, crucially, always appreciating the people putting themselves forward to help.

Our club currently is run exclusively by volunteers, and we cannot emphasise enough how grateful we are for every single person who gave us their time to make some very special things happen this year. Thank you for believing in the Titans.

We would like to impress upon everyone in the wider Britball community that the secret to our success isn’t a secret - and it never will be. If you are reading this as a member of another club and you’re interested to learn more about our operations, we are more than happy to show you how we do things so please do not hesitate to reach out. A rising tide lifts all boats.

Ⓜ️

Britbowl XXXVIII Match Report

By Tim Foster

Captains Alex Lenkowski (#17), Cade Makin (#94), Scott Tomlinson (#56), and Jerome Darko (#7). Photo by Malc Burke.

The Manchester Titans arrived at Britbowl XXXVIII in a sultry Nick Newbold Stadium, Coventry on Sunday 6th September 2026 with an unbeaten domestic record - as did their opponents the Bristol Aztecs. Both teams seemed relaxed and prepared for the battle that awaited them. There is a friendly and respectful, yet combative rivalry between these two current greats of British American Football, ploughing furrows of a professional approach to the elite end of this sport.

This is exemplified by what they both do off the field too, with supporters buses from both sides arriving from their respective North and South starting points; both setting up their merch stalls on the day, and Manchester Titans being awarded the inaugural BAFA Community Heroes Club of the Year Award, received at half time by club stalwart (powered by Duracell batteries) Liam Twigg and Game Day Manager B West.

Matt Wilson, our solemn, contemplative swordsman. Photo by Dave Bradshaw.

Sword-bearing Matt Wilson led the Titans onto the field and Head Coach Foster looked pumped and ready for action. Captain Alex Lenkowski won the toss and deferred receipt of the ball. In receiving the ball, the Aztecs set out on a long and grinding drive, eating up the clock. Titans defence stood up forcing several long 3rd and 4th downs with brilliant pressure and tackling by LBs Fraser Galloway (#4) and Rory Dodgson (#2) of note, but the bravery of the Aztecs saw them move the chains on each occasion. Finally, QB Ethan Gretzinger (#10) found Sam East (WR, #9) with an inch perfect pass over the head of the retreating DB Ben Komba (#27). The extra point was good.

Fraser Galloway (#4) and Cade Makin (#94) with the tackle on Bristol’s elusive RB. Photo by Malc Burke.

Titans’ first possession was short lived, with a great punt forcing Aztecs to start again deep in their own half. They then deployed their RB Josh Breece (#2) to find gaps even water couldn’t find to skilfully take Aztecs into Titans territory. Into the 2nd quarter the Titans defence remained strong and on 4th & 6 Aztecs rolled the dice again and Gretzinger was able to dart forward to make the ground. With the help of great blocking and decoy running he was able to find a pass to East again who side stepped and then dived into the right corner for a score. Titans blocked the extra point conversion but for all the impressive defensive effort from the rotating D-Line and Linebackers found themselves 0-13 down.

Sam East with an absolutely stunning diving touchdown. Photo by Dave Bradshaw.

Could the offence begin to click and bring them back into the game? Hafeez Bisiriyu (RB, #34) was trying his best to weave through the Aztecs defensive line, but another punt was required to put Aztecs back in their own redzone. Titans D stood strong again and forced an Aztecs punt, but Titans won the field position battle and QB Josh Mills (#3) was able to dart a central pass to the fizzing Brad Temple (WR, #1) who expertly caught the ball and sped away from the Aztecs coverage. The ever-reliable leg of Lenkowski converted the extra point, and Titans were back in the ball game.

Brad Temple with the breakaway - and the entire Titans sideline (except Coach David) going crazy. Photo by Dave Bradshaw.

As Aztecs pushed for another score a strong tackle by DBs Seven Florence (#40) and James Eaton (#9) knocked the ball loose and a combination of Don Espina (LB, #57) and Djoss Balela (DB, #0) were able to recover the ball. A downfield pass to Sam Wilson (WR, #88) was just out of his reach, but on the opposite flank Matt Wilson was found, and then Connor Greenhalgh (WR, #11) down the middle, and closing in on the two-minute warning Titans were pushing hard for parity. The first redzone attempt was spilled by Matt Wilson in the right corner, the second tossed away and the next was intercepted in his endzone by Aztecs DB Nudelman (#22) who was able to charge down the Aztecs’ sideline for a pick-six.

Fumble recovery by DB Djoss Balela. Photo by Dave Bradshaw.

To rub salt into the Titans’ wounds Breece was able to power over for a two-point conversion. In this play Mills was hit while throwing and injured and was replaced by QB Alex Ross (#8). From the kick-off Titans moved the chains with running from Bisiriyu and Nathan Jewkes (RB, #12), and a reception by Charlie Escott (WR, #14). Rather than going for ground for a potential FG attempt Titans went for it with a long throw, but the Aztecs’ coverage were able to intercept (DB #0, Onamade). From threatening parity just moments earlier, Titans found themselves down 7-21 going into the half.

Titans received the ball at the start of the second half, knowing that a successful possession could bring them back to within a score. They proceeded to control a drive downfield and were helped by two 15-yard penalties. Mills back in at QB was able to find Temple on the Aztecs’ one yard line, but he wasn’t able to force himself over the line. A pass to WR Kristian Dean (#15) was just out of reach, a fumbled snap, and then a scramble by Mills after a low snap, left Titans with a FG attempt, coming away with only 3 points.

Charlie Escott (#14) evading tackles on kick return. Photo by Malc Burke.

With Aztecs back in possession Breece was able to break clear to approach the Titans’ line and that was enough for a run-in score by RB Vaughan (#27). The extra point was blocked. Mills was unable to continue and back came Ross at QB. He threw a screen pass to Bisiriyu who had gone in motion, but it was intercepted by DE Woodward (#17) for the second pick-six of the day. Breece powered over for a two-point conversion and the score board was now running away from the Titans. Returning Charlie Martin (QB, #16) came in but was up against great Aztecs cover defence.

The Titans Defence swarm taking down RB #2. Photo by Malc Burke.

The Aztecs missed a FG attempt but Breece was not done yet and picking great running lines he again outpaced the Titans cover for another score in the first play of the 4th quarter. Titans were now rotating their WRs and in defence Jonny Omal (DB, #25) was able to prevent an Aztecs’ catch in the endzone. Titans defence were now tiring and falling off tackles that had been made earlier in the day, exploited by livewire Gretzinger who bounced over the line in contact. The final score was 10-49.

Coach Lewis Potts with veteran Linebacker Joe Partington. Photo by Malc Burke.

Great credit goes to deserved winners and back-to-back Britbowl Champions, the Bristol Aztecs and the impressive MVP Josh Breece. When he needed a break, they were able to bring in the equally impressive RB Emmanuel Bawa (#26). With such weapons and some big bodies on their O-Line I would like to finish by paying particular tribute to the Titans D-Line and Linebackers who were pounded throughout the game and stood up to the task until the final quarter when the realisation of a lost dream was hitting home. That didn’t stop defensive bodies being put on the line and but for small margins the scoreline could have been very different. The result possibly not, but the dream is still alive, and the Manchester Titans live to fight another day, in the knowledge that being at the end of season party and throwing your hat into the ring to bring it home is better than not!

The aforementioned impressive RB Emmanuel Bawa - in front of a 1,000 strong crowd at Nick Newbold Stadium. Photo by Dave Bradshaw.

The author’s personal reflection of the day – It was lovely to see Aztecs’ Head Coach Pete Jones at the beginning of the day and wishing each other well for what was to come. I tried to find him at the end to congratulate him but missed the chance. I did however see my Aztecs ‘Chicken Zinger Burger’ friend and managed to congratulate him and asked him to pass a message onto Pete.

I am reminded of two of my favourite quotes:

“If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two imposters just the same”

— Rudyard Kipling

“Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. Conflict often ends with some as winners and some as losers. The current winner can become the loser next time – and vice versa. The choice we make – and it is a choice – about how to behave should reflect our own sense of honour”

— Christopher Earle

These sentiments were echoed by both Head Coaches in their post-match interviews. As the 2026 chapter closes, we can only look forward to the next time we meet.

U16 Finals - Match Report: Titans Claim 3rd Place on a Day of Knights

By Tim Foster

On Saturday 29th August 2026 Manchester Titans U16s arrived at the National Finals in a soggy Stafford, already in the knowledge that they had surpassed their efforts of 2025 when they won the Plate Final, finishing in 5th place. Having gone unbeaten throughout the 2026 regular season (7-0-1) and winning both games in the Northern Playoff Tournament they were in the top four as #1 seed from the North, paired with Rushmoor Knights (#2 seed from the south) in the National semi-finals. The other semi-final saw Solent Seahawks take on Yorkshire Academy Assassins.

Prior to the main event two more Knights, those of Edinburgh Napier and Northants, went head-to-head, and Birmingham Lions took on Kent Exiles. The Plate final was won by Edinburgh Napier Knights, beating Kent Exiles, with Northants beating Birmingham in the Plate 3rd play game.

Titans vs Knight, 29 August 2026. Photo by Michael Davies

The Rushmoor supporters were loud throughout, but the family and friends of the Titans gave as good as they got. In U16s football the attacking side begin from their own 5-yard line and have 4 downs in the first set to get beyond halfway and then another four to attempt a score. On the field Rushmoor were strong from the off, and with the QB taking the snap under the Centre, he was able to block and create gaps for their running back speedsters in their first set of downs. This tactic created five first half rushing touchdowns. The Titans defence were able to prevent any extra points, but on offence gave up two safeties. At 0-28 Titans offence started to click and receivers were almost found deep on a couple of occasions. After breaking halfway Titans converted in the redzone but couldn’t add the extra point. The half ended 6-34.

Halftime stirred the Titans and after shared safeties Rushmoor found another running lane for a score, but Titans were forcing strong defence from their opponents and were matching them with their own. Titans forced a fumble and recovered the ball and a looped pass found its recipient in the endzone and a good extra point try saw a final score of 15-43 (the second half drawn 9-9).

QB #12 in a wet and windy Stafford. Photo by Michael Davies.

This meant Titans were to face off in the 3rd Place game against Yorkshire Academy Assassins who were well beaten by Solent Seahawks.

Titans controlled field position and play with excellent and organised defence, forcing several 4-and-outs. A similar TD to the final one against Rushmoor took us to the half leading 6-0. This was repeated at the start of the second half, but again the extra point was unsuccessful. Yorkshire attempted a long down field pass and although Titans had great coverage the receiver was able to bounce clear in contact and run in for a TD. Titans defended the extra point try and were now rotating through their squad.

Inside the last minute Yorkshire tried another downfield attempt, but the coverage of Titans was alive to the threat and picked for a run in return. The final score was 18-6 and our Manchester Titans took the 3rd place accolade, and in four halves of National Championship football had a 2-1-1 record.

3rd place for our young Titans. Photo by Sam Lowthion.

Tribute to the players, coaches, support staff, and parents for such a fantastic season. It was great to see that Charlie Evans was given his chance to cut his teeth as a coach, and great credit to the more senior coaches for giving him his space and voice in order to learn.

As the game ended everyone was able to watch the final stages of the Rushmoor-Solent Final. Tied going into the final play of the game it was apt that Rushmoor found that final burst of power to take the #1 spot and make it a Day of Knights - our congratulations to Rushmoor and Edinburgh Napier.

Interested in joining our U16s team for 2027? Fill out this form or get in touch on our youth Instagram page @manchestertitansyouth.

Semi-Final Match Report: Titans Go Marching On To Britbowl XXXVIII

By Tim Foster

Where to begin? As my quill is still all of a quiver.

The Titans tunnel welcoming Matt Wilson (WR, #81) onto the pitch for his first playoff game as a Titan. Photo by James Camenzuli.

Manchester Titans welcomed players, coaches, support staff and supporters of London Blitz on Saturday 22nd August 2026, as they strove to retake their place at the top table of British American Football after many years in the wilderness. In that time and post-Covid our Manchester Titans have risen to those heights and were looking to overcome the disappointment of two successive semi-final home defeats to the Bristol Aztecs, after defeating the same opposition in 2022 and 2023 on their way to back-to-back National Championships under then HC Jonathan Homer (now Club Chair).

In the deflated post-match environment last year James Dean (DC) posed the question “How do we prepare for winning these high-stakes play-off games?” Maybe the galvanising trip to the Thonon Black Panthers was that tonic? Despite leaving France in defeat there were so many lessons learned and bonds formed. And on the way to their first National Title in 2022 the Titans lost on the road to [then] Tamworth Phoenix – lessons in defeat take you to a better place.

DL Coach Lewis Potts and Titans veteran Charlie Dixon (DL, #99). Photo by James Camenzuli.

On Saturday afternoon Titans one and all arrived to marvel at the work of the Belle Vue Banksy, as the Titans logo had been emblazoned on the centre of the field in secret. The weather was once again kind, and the feel-good factor was palpable with the game-day team providing for what was the largest home attendance of the season. Club Chair Jon Homer accompanied by Huss and Jacob from the Manchester Met Eagles on the PA provided insight, wit, and great music alongside long-time Titan Alex Mannion on the drums and trombone (!). The stadium was buzzing with anticipation.

Through the plumes of thick blue smoke out charged sword-bearing, talismanic captain Alex Lenkowski (K, #17) followed by his marauding teammates. Photo by James Camenzuli.

Lenkowski won the coin toss and deferred receipt of the ball. He then produced an audacious onside kick-off that was recovered by Seven Florence (DB, #40) to secure instant possession and favourable field position. Josh Mills (QB, #3) found Matt Wilson (WR, #81) deep down field and from the Blitz 3-yard line then found Brad Temple (WR, #1) with a leap and catch over his left shoulder in the endzone. Alex converted the extra point, and Titans were up 7-0 and cooking. Blitz came into the game and found field position to take 3 points from a successful field goal. Titans were showing great defence and the running of Hafeez Bisiriyu (RB, #34) was good with line breaks and yards made.

Dream team Lenkowski and Ross (QB, #8) with a Field Goal powered by our friends at Red Bull. Photo by James Camenzuli.

Titans began the 2nd quarter with good field control and an excellent drive took them into field goal range, but the kick was blocked by the Blitz. The Blitz used that momentum to take them into the Titans redzone until Fraser Galloway (LB, #4) produced a sack and fumble for a turnover of the ball. Mills found Wilson again and the chains were moving. From the Blitz 16-yard line Bisiriyu received a hand off, found space with a step and then powered over with Blitz defenders hanging off him. The extra-point was good and Titans kept pressure on as Ben Komba (DB, #27) tipped a pass for James Eaton (DB, #9) to make a diving interception. As the half drew to a close the Blitz led an aggressive drive downfield taking them back into the redzone. QB Alex Stocks (#12) rolled out to the right and found TE Freddy Ashe (#89) in the right corner. With a successful kick the score was 14-10 at the half, and a potential momentum shifter.

Mills finding the reliable hands of Connor Greenhalgh (WR, #11). Photo by James Camenzuli.

Half-time entertainment saw Titans’ super-fan Anthony win the ‘punt, pass , kick’ challenge.

Great defensive sets from both teams forcing multiple punts created plenty of field position fluctuation in the 3rd quarter until the Blitz took control of the ball inside the Titans’ half and Stocks picked out Louis Green (WR, #84) deep over the head of Eaton and the extra-point was good. Blitz taking the lead 14-17. That lead was extended in the 4th quarter with a field goal, so Titans needed a score, trailing 14-20. In the fire of the furnace cool heads were required.

Powerful running from Hafeez Bisiriyu (RB, #34). Photo by James Camenzuli.

Blitz managed to block another field goal attempt and Mills tried to find Wilson and Charlie Escott (WR, #14) with long throws down-field, but each was agonisingly just out of the receivers’ reach. With the clock ticking under 2 minutes the fans in the stands picked up their noise and then erupted as the Mills-Wilson hook-up finally worked. A hush was just about attained for Alex Lenkowski to nail the extra point. With Blitz rushing play to get into field goal range they ran out of time and Manchester Titans were victorious in an epic of a game (21-20) and go marching on.

Celebrations with Josh Mills and Boris Gavin (LB, #55). Photo by James Camenzuli.

HC Foster received the Gatorade treatment again as the over-riding emotion of the fans was of nervous relief with the exciting realisation that they will be going to Coventry on the 6th September to cheer on their team. The players stood tall, produced, and can now work hard in the next two-weeks to go meet their rivals Bristol Aztecs in BritBowl XXXVIII to challenge for the National Championship again.

Head Coach George Foster getting slightly more than he bargained for (a recently filled-to-the-brim keg). Photo by James Camenzuli.

Through hard work, grit, determination, and the support from the 12th man in the Belle Vue grandstand, the Titans have earned themselves a coveted spot in Britbowl XXXVIII. We hope to see as many Titans fans there as possible sporting your royal blue Titans merchandise and making as much if not more noise than you did on Saturday! Thank you for a fantastic run of home games and we hope to make you proud on September 6.

To register interest to travel on a Titans fan bus to Britbowl XXXVIII please fill out this form.

Playoff Preview: Coaches talk Manchester Titans vs London Blitz

Head Coach George Foster, 20 June 2026. Photo by @footballhubus

We sat down with George Foster, Head Coach of the Manchester Titans to discuss the upcoming playoff fixture against the London Blitz.

Congratulations on a perfect 8-0 regular season record. How are you feeling going into your second semi-final as Head Coach? Is your approach different to last year?

“I'm feeling good, it's always nice to get through to playoff football. We know it's going to be a step up but we can't wait. The approach is mostly the same, we're digging into the film and training hard.”

You're facing a different opponent, one you've not played before, what can the fans expect from this matchup?

“It's going to be electric, London vs Manchester in any sporting occasion is always a spectacle. They will be well drilled and tough, so we need to match that with clinical precision and the classic Titans energy.”

And are there any players to watch on the 22nd, any surprises in store on the roster?

“We've shown this year that we have incredible depth across the board. Offensively this allows us to take what's given to us and ride a hot hand, while defensively we can fly around and rotate to stay fresh. For any surprises, you'll have to come and find out on the day!”

Alex Challands, 3 May 2026. Photo by Rory Macnair

We’re joined now by Alex Challands, Offensive Coordinator for the Manchester Titans. Thank you for joining us today.

Congratulations on a hard-fought win over Nottingham, that was a nail-biter at times. What are the takeaways going into this next game?

“Firstly to be proud of our season’s accomplishments as 5 consecutive division titles is no easy feat, but then refocus onto corrections and elevating our level even more as we kick into the playoffs.”

You're no stranger to high stakes games, how are you feeling going into the playoffs?

“I'm feeling confident in our team, all 3 phases have shown elite levels throughout season, it's just now a combined effort to all draw out those elite levels together for the next two games.”

The Titans haven't faced the Blitz since 2017. Having not played this team in almost a decade, does this change your preparation from a offensive perspective?

“At lot has changed since the last game, you can say that both teams are on opposite sides of the pendulum with Manchester ascending and the Blitz dwindling - until this year's mini resurgence. With regards to the preparation, similar to level of performance, we elevate the effort and attention to detail to ensure we are as best prepared as possible against an always tough opponent.”

Alex Lenkowski (K, #17). Photo by Adam Edwards

The Titans offence has been electric this year, with 9 different receivers scoring touchdowns, a passing game averaging 272 yards per game and a rushing attack that averages 4.5 yards per carry. Quarterback Josh Mills (#3) leads the Premiership in passing yards (1,777). Defensively the Titans have held teams to an average of 7.9 points per game, 118 yards per game, and a very impressive 1.5 YPC on the ground. Titans Kicker Alex Lenkowski also leads the Premiership in Field Goals (10) and PATs (32).

The Titans come into the playoffs in great form, unbeaten in the regular season with two big wins in August against the Merseyside Nighthawks (83-0) and the Nottingham Caesars (27-13). The Blitz have had a successful year but come into the playoffs with a 4-4 record off the back of a surprising loss against Wembley. Having pushed the Aztecs close, the Blitz will be keen to prove that the Wembley loss was just a blip due to player rotations, having secured the 2nd seed the week before.

Tickets to the semi-final against London Blitz on Saturday 22 August are available to purchase online or on the door. Tailgating starts at 1.30pm with our fantastic vendors - KillaCarbs (Neapolitan pizza), MCR Hot Box (jerk chicken), Cocktail Cartel (they serve beer too), and Mr Whippy ice cream. See you there!

Titans U19s: Battling End to a Stellar Season

By Tim Foster

Manchester Titans U19s (BAFA Champions of the Scotland & North) on a five-match winning streak travelled to Nottingham on Sunday 16 August 2026 to take on the all-conquering Caesars (BAFA Champions of the Midlands) for the Northern Crown, followed by excited yet anxious family and friends who filled ‘the shelf’ at the David Ross Sports Village.

Ako Adefulu “aura farming”, 16 August 2026. Photo by @adz_pro_media

Caesars received the ball at kick-off and proceeded to advance downfield in a seven-minute drive, with some strong running from their RB #3, forcing excellent tackling from the Titans’ D-Line and secondary. The signs were ominous as Caesars looked like they might dominate with muscle and power and the Titans’ cause wasn’t helped by conceding numerous offside penalties. #3 powered over from short range and the QB took a speed option for a two-point conversion. What did Titans have in response? Their first drive was good using both ground and air, but pressure from the Caesars defence forced a turnover on downs and the 1st quarter came to a close.

Titans gained great field position from a punt and then were alert to a fumble to recover the ball. A good catch by Ron Buraimoh (RB, #88) put Titans in striking distance but on 4th and 2 had a big decision to make. The author was heard muttering “take the points”, but the aggressive play calling had other ideas, and Mabula Mkama (RB, #13) found a gap to sprint into the endzone. The two-point conversion was stopped and the half ended at 8-6.

Deon Ajahson on defence, 16 August 2026. Photo by @adz_pro_media

A great catch and kick-off return by Titans’ Louis Wong (#85) reached the 40-yard line, but the second half was started with scrappy plays on both sides. Titans found themselves on their own 1-yard line, finally punting away but a catch and strong return from the Caesars gave their QB a sniff of the line, which he took, and then a similar play saw an extra two points. Strong Titans defence forced a turnover on downs, but midfield field position was exploited by the Caesars’ third RB of the day, #2. He was as slippery as an eel and broke a final tackle to run in a score. The two-point conversion was no good, but at 22-6, now deep into the 4th quarter, was there a way back for the Titans?

#85 on the kick return, 16 August 2026. Photo by @adz_pro_media

Louis Wong ran in the kick-off return down the Titans sideline and Buraimoh powered over for two extra points (22-14, now a one score game). Deep into the final quarter Titans offence had a tough decision on 3rd down. What a play call: QB Bailey Cross (#21) passed back to Louis Kagame (RB, #10) who had gone in motion, and he launched a forward pass to Buraimoh who in turn powered down the Titans’ jubilant sideline, in front of the supporters on ‘the shelf’. Two points for a tied game but the Caesars defence stood strong and finished the game 22-20 victors.

As these young Titans develop their journey to become elite athletes there are great learnings to be found in defeat in high pressure environments. It is as much in the mind as it is in the body: on defence, it is always going to be an uphill game if you concede upwards of 100 yards in penalties, so adapt and learn on the job; on offence, it is about precision in execution, five dropped catches in scoring positions left points on the field. This isn’t meant to be critical, but honest self-appraisal will take the good to great (perfection doesn’t exist!!). This can all be remedied in practice. Taking cricket as an example: bowlers should never bowl no-balls, but they do because they do in practice, and great wicket keepers practice with distraction in their eye-line. Anything successful is a result of a series of mistakes and what Head Coach Sean Howe and the Titans U19s are building together has seen great success in 2026.

Luke Hodgson (#66) and Josh Beecroft (#50) holding the line. Photo by @adz_pro_media

Let us finish by showering praise on all the players, coaches, and support staff for a stellar season. We are immensely proud of the whole team and we can’t wait to see how far they can go in 2027. Finally, we thank Nottingham for a great game and wish them success in representing the North in the BritBowl weekend final against London Blitz.

If you’re interested in getting involved with youth contact football for the 2027 season, whether that’s as a coach, player, or volunteer, reach out to our youth page on Instagram @manchestertitansyouth or fill out this interest form. Could you be the Titans next star player?

Team Italy’s Titans get first win at IFAF World Championship

Tika and Homer looking to qualify for LA28 with Team Italy this week in Düsseldorf.

Titans power duo Tika Marcucci and Jonathan Homer have just secured their first win at the IFAF World Championship in Düsseldorf. Team Italy played Slovenia this morning in the first game in the group stage and came away with a nail-biting 27-26 victory after a last-minute touchdown.

This isn’t Tika’s first time representing Italy on the international stage. After coming back from an achilles injury, she has worked tirelessly to prepare for Worlds together with Homer, her fiancé and Head Coach for the Italian women’s flag team.

Queen of the toe-tap touchdown. Photo by Chelsea Warner.

In the Manchester Titans Women’s Flag season this past autumn/winter, Tika only played the last 3 tournaments but was a formidable presence on the field. In 2 games in T5 she racked up 4 TDs & 3 XPs.

Italy play Germany next at 3.30pm local time. All schedules and games are on the IFAF tournament website.

On behalf of the Manchester Titans, we are so proud of Jon and Tika and we wish them the best of luck in the rest of the Championship tournament.

Titan Selected for GB in IFAF World Championship

The Manchester Titans are proud to recognise Luke Sweeney who has been selected as part of the GB men’s squad competing at the IFAF Flag World Championships be held in Dusseldorf, Germany. Luke played for the Titans Flag team in the National Division this year and racked up 11 receiving TD and 6 receiving XPs.

Sweeney competing in the NFFL National Division for the Manchester Titans.

The GB squads will be competing not only for the World Championship, but for a chance to qualify for the Olympics in LA 2028. The four-day tournament will start on Thursday 13th August and conclude on Sunday 16th August. In the group stages GB Men will face Italy, France, and Panama. Their first game is on Thursday 13 August at 11:45 against Italy. See the full schedule here.

Sweeney competing internationally for Great Britain.

We we wish Luke all the best in his opportunity and hope that Team GB can bring back the trophy!

If you’re interested in joining a flag football team, our women’s flag teams have just started their pre-season training on Tuesday evenings at Belle Vue Stadium. Check out the Instagram page for more information on how to get involved. Our mixed flag teams will start practice again in January 2027.

A Festival of Football: Premiership Titans and U16s Victorious

By Tim Foster

Green, white, and royal blue. Photo by James Camenzuli.

Home of Manchester Titans Belle Vue Stadium hosted a “Festival of Football” on Saturday 8th August 2026, initially under Titans royal blue skies and ending under the Belle Vue floodlights. With teams on site from 10am for the BAFA Mixed U16 Northern Playoff Tournament to an evening KO at 6pm for the Titans’ final Premiership North regular season game against the Nottingham Caesars in the annual White-Out game - it was a wonderfully long day!

Games for the BAFA Mixed U16 Northern Playoff Tournament kicked off at 12pm with two pools of teams playing alongside each other on 5-a-side pitches. Pool 1 on Pitch 1 featured the hosting Manchester Titans, the East Kilbride Pirates and Birmingham Lions. Next to them in Pool 2 the Sheffield Giants, Yorkshire Academy Assassins and Edinburgh Napier Knights with the winner of each Pool progressing to the National Finals and the runners-up going to the Plate Finals.

Photo by James Camenzuli.

All U16 players gave their all in the two games they played, supported by raucous family and friends in the stands with vuvuzelas, cowbells and airhorns competing in a cacophony of noise throughout the afternoon. I will focus on Pool 1 which saw three incredibly close games. First up was Manchester Titans versus East Kilbride Pirates (EKP). Titans tied the scores on three occasions before a final seven-point score saw a 31-24 hometown win.

Two of our fantastic volunteers, Elisa and Karina, at the merch desk on the concourse. Photo by James Camenzuli.

EKP then took on the Birmingham Lions. A tight, high-scoring game saw the lead change hands three times in the final nail-biting minutes but a late score by the Lions edged it 38-34. A winner takes all game with the Titans awaited, with the wonderful EKP coaches taking their seats in the stands to watch the Pool play out. Initially the Lions had the upper hand, but great defence and then attacking skill from the Titans stretched the game to a two-score advantage. The Lions were not done and came back to be within one score with the clock ticking. More attacking flair from the Titans however brought the final score of the game for a 26-12 win, securing a trip to the National Finals. They will be joined by the Yorkshire Academy Assassins who triumphed in the other winner-takes-all game in Pool 2 against the Edinburgh Napier Knights.

Djoss Balela, a man who knows how to accessorise. Photo by James Camenzuli.

As the U16 Tournament was coming to a close the Titans and Caesars were warming up on the practice field. Nottingham made the trip from the Midlands after an impressive win at EKP in the previous game week, with a group of noisy cowbell-wielding fans in tow. They were ready to give everything they got. Since their arrival to the Premiership in 2025, the Caesars have given the Titans three tough games (Titans winning all three), so we expected nothing less – which is what we got.

QB Alex Ross, finding his man downfield (not pictured). Photo by James Camenzuli.

Titans were captained by Alex Lenkowski (K, #17), Scott Tomlinson (OL, #56), Connor Greenhalgh (WR, #11) and Jerome Darko (DB, #7), with Gaz Shadwell (LB, #22) taking the field as a starter for the first time, and a debut for Sameer Sandy (DL, #61). The 1st quarter was a real arm-wrestle with one failed FG attempt by Titans being the only threat to the scoreboard. Titans were keen to get points on the board and did so in the 2nd quarter with an epic 52-yard FG from Lenkowski.

DB Iqbal Al-Amin in pursuit. Photo by James Camenzuli.

Caesars hit back with a repeat of their score at the David Ross Sports Village earlier in the season with Elliot Knight (WR, #5) taking an inch-perfect pass in the right corner, the ball just clearing the stretch of James Eaton (DB, #9). The extra point was no good. From their own 38-yard line Titans then re-took the lead with Josh Mills (QB, #3) finding Connor Greenhalgh downfield, taking the catch over his left shoulder and powering away from his chasers. The extra point conversion was good for a score of 10-6 at the half.

WR Sam Wilson at full stretch. Photo by James Camenzuli.

Titans’ DBs then dominated defensively with pressure from FJ (#10), DK (#28), Iqbal Al-Amin (#20), Derrick Florence (#40), Djoss Balela (#0) and Ben Komba (#27) with interceptions from James Eaton (#9). Great catches downfield from Brad Temple (WR, #1) the Wilson twins (Matt, #81 and Sam, #88) gave Titans field advantage. Two characteristically strong carries by Nathan Jewkes (RB, #12) gave Lenkowski easy FG position.

Running Back Hafeez Bisiriyu evading tackles in the golden hour sun. Photo by James Camenzuli.

After knocking on the door of the Redzone, Alex Ross (QB, #8) found Hafeez Bisiriyu (RB, #34) on a motion, allowing him to dive through the left corner pylon for a TD. The extra point was good, stretching the Titans’ lead to 20-6. In the 4th Quarter Caesars found Knight again to bring themselves within a score and keeping the pressure on the result. Titans controlled the rest of the game and when Ross found Jewkes with a toss there was no stopping him rumbling into the endzone. Another one-point conversion by Lenkowski resulted in a 27-13 final score.

Players gave Head Coach George Foster the Gatorade treatment after the final whistle. Photo by James Camenzuli.

This was a game Titans had to work hard to win but they finish the season 8-0 - their third unbeaten regular season record in the past four years (2023, 2024). Under the Belle Vue floodlights their ever-growing fan-base went home savouring the prospect of the next home game. As Premiership North Champions we will host our fifth straight National Semi-Final on the 22nd August against London Blitz (3pm Kick Off). Get your tickets and bring the noise for our boys, as two weeks’ worth of preparation will fill them with confidence to secure a spot in BritBowl XXXVIII.

Players signing one of the club’s old helmets for a fan after the game. Photo by James Camenzuli.

Shout-outs to the epic organisation by Maddy Tjalma, B West and Verity Dean, all the game-day volunteers, and the tail-gaiting food and beverage providers for giving us all a day to remember, and to the BAFRA crew of referees who kept going all day. A special thank you and farewell (for now) to Sam Penfold (WR), wishing him well as he relocates to Germany. Sam has played for the Titans, scoring some superb TDs over the past few seasons, and been part of the chain crew for his and other teams in the club. After the author’s fall in The Brotherhood at the end of last season Sam offered some sage advice: “You should have gone to SpecSavers”. On behalf of the Penfold Army, we will miss you!

White-Out Weekend: Titans vs Caesars & U16s Playoffs

This Saturday we have a full day of football on show down at Belle Vue Stadium. From 12pm until 9pm, you can watch some of the best American Football the North has to offer.

Our U16s play their first game at 12pm - a great opportunity for kids who are getting into American Football to come down and see our youngest youth team in action. For everyone who sticks around after the tournament, we’ve got a special evening kick off at 6pm!

Fans in the crowd at Manchester Titans vs Merseyside Nighthawks, 1 August 2026. Photo by @clarkvisuals_.

Our U16s secured a spot in the Northern Playoffs when they beat the North East Academy Giants and Lancashire Buccaneers in two decisive victories at home on 25 July. As the #1 seed in the North, they share a group with the East Kilbride Pirates and the Birmingham Lions. Another two victories guarantees our Titans a spot in the National Finals to be played on 29 August in Staffordshire.

Titans U16 kick off against EKP at 12:00 and they play Birmingham at 15:00.

We will be selling Titans merchandise on the concourse and there will be refreshments available throughout the day. Come down and show your support for our youngest Titans as they battle it out in their pursuit of National Finals!

The Titans merchandise desk run by our fantastic Karina and Elisa. Photo by @clarkvisuals_.

Full U16 Northern Playoff schedule:

• 12:00 - Pitch 1: Manchester Titans vs East Kilbride Pirates

• 12:00 - Pitch 2: Yorkshire Academy Assassins vs Sheffield Giants

• 13:30 - Pitch 1: Birmingham Lions vs East Kilbride Pirates

• 13:30 - Pitch 2: Edinburgh Knights vs Sheffield Giants

• 15:00 - Pitch 1: Manchester Titans vs Birmingham Lions

• 15:00 - Pitch 2: Yorkshire Academy Assassins vs Edinburgh Knights

Evening programme:

• 16:30 - Doors open for Titans vs Caesars (Premiership North)

• 17:45 - Team run-outs

• 18:00 - Kick off

Defensive stalwart Djoss Balela (DB, #0) firing up his teammates. Photo by Alex Bertrand.

From 4.30pm we will start inviting supporters into the grandstand as we gear up for the final game in the Premiership regular season. Our Manchester Titans play their annual white-out game against the Nottingham Caesars at 6pm.

Nottingham are fresh off a massive win up in Scotland where they faced the East Kilbride Pirates, so they’ll be itching to get another win on the board. However, our Titans are on a 7-0 hot streak and won’t want to walk away with anything other than a perfect 8-0 regular season record on Saturday.

Titans duo Josh Mills (QB, #3) and Hafeez Bisiriyu (RB, #34) under the lights in our all-white kit! Photo by Alex Bertrand.

We’d love for all supporters to come wearing white to support our boys. Get your tickets and bring your friends for a 6pm kick off under the lights. This is our first ever evening game at Belle Vue Stadium, let’s make it unforgettable!