Article one of the Tilsley Times, written by Oxford Saints American Football Club
The Saints are a volunteer-run American football club rooted in the local community, offering playing opportunities from Under 11s right through to senior level. With a strong focus on development, teamwork and inclusion, both on and off the field, the club continues to grow year on year.
2025 was a fantastic year for the Saints, marked by success, progress and moments that truly defined what the club stands for.
On the field, the Senior team enjoyed a hugely successful campaign, earning promotion back to Division 1 after winning the Southern Division 2 title and losing just two games all season. The charge was led by an impressive group of players, including youth programme graduate Russell Lindley, who topped the quarterbacks room with 10 touchdowns and over 1,200 passing yards. Will Luck proved a standout target at receiver, while Victor Ofoe led the running backs as the Saints’ offence consistently delivered when it mattered most.
The club’s youth programme continued to go from strength to strength. The Under 16s came agonisingly close to silverware, narrowly missing out in a dramatic play-off final after conceding a last-minute touchdown. Meanwhile, our Under 11, Under 14, Under 17 and Under 19 teams all competed strongly in their respective divisions, building on what has been a very promising start to the programme.
We were also incredibly proud to see several Saints players recognised at national level. Congratulations go to Ted, Daan, Finn, Patrick, Sam, Harry, Saxby, Dan, Tom, Dom and Elliot, all of whom were selected to represent Great Britain.
Alongside the highs, 2025 also brought moments of deep sadness for the club. We lost Nick Wykes, a former Saints player and coach who played a vital role in establishing the youth programme, as well as Josh Rowan, an active senior player and coach. Both losses were felt across the entire Saints family, and we are immensely proud to have honoured their memories with victories in the games played in their name.
We will also be saying au revoir and thank you to Defensive Coordinator Coach Harris, Quarterbacks Coach Cam, and our (very) senior player Martin Fitzpatrick, all of whom will be moving on ahead of the 2026 season. Their contribution to the club has been invaluable, and they leave with our sincere thanks.
Looking ahead, there is plenty to be excited about. The Senior team returns to Division 1 after a year away, while our Under 19s will also be stepping up to Division 1 football. Along with the Under 16s, we’re hopeful that all three teams will be competing for play-off places next season.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteer coaches, team staff, parents and supporters, whose commitment continues to drive the club forward.
The Saints are always looking to welcome new players and coaches across all age groups. Whether you’re experienced or completely new to the sport, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch and give it a try
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