American Football Welcome to the University of Derby American Football Team Page Home of the Derby Braves The Braves currently compete in the BUCS North Central 1 Training Times Training sessions take place 2-3 times a week depending on fixtures. All training and home fixtures take place at the University of Derby Sports Centre, Lower Pitch, based on the Kedleston Road campus. Tuesday 18.00 - 21.30 - Classroom/Game Film Study and S&C Thursday 18.00 - 19.30 – Field Session Sunday 12:00 - 14:00 – Field Session or Fixture (All Day) All of our training sessions are led by our committed training staff. The training staff is headed up by our New Head Coach and Offensive Co-ordinator, Christian Salisbury. A former Braves player and the Offensive Co-ordinator for the Leicester Panthers, who are back-to-back divisional champions. Alongside him, we have a very committed force of coaches such as: Jack Briggs - Defensive Co-Ordinator Sean Anthony - Special Teams Co-ordinator Callum Oliver - Offensive Line Coach / Run-game co-ordinator Jack Hanson - Offensive Line Coach Chris Gargini-Hill - Assistant Offensive Line Coach Joe Perkins - Wide Receivers Coach / Pass game co-ordinator Connor Bacon - Wide Receivers Coach James Cantrill - Tight End Coach Ben Pagett - Linebacker Coach Ben Hylton - Linebacker Coach Leo Moyes - Defensive Line Coach Gabe Wiseman - Defensive Backs Coach Membership To become a member of our team, you will need both the Union Sports Pass (£20) and club membership (£215), which can be paid over two installments. The Union Sports Pass is a one-time annual fee of £20 that gives you access to participate in sports at the Union. As a Union sports member, you receive the following benefits Access to join our sports club and attend our training sessions Eligibility to compete in BUCS competitions Ability to purchase tickets for Sports Awards Specific Personal Accident Insurance for student Sport through Endsleigh, if you are injured through part of any club activities Access to coaching and officiating bursaries through club application to the union The Union Sports Pass also helps keep our clubs affordable by helping the Union fund training and competition opportunities. The £215 club membership includes: Helmet and pad rental for the season Access to all training, film analysis and S&C sessions (up to 4 sessions a week total) A customised practice jersey Matchday jersey and pants Access to social events *some may require a ticket Coaching from some of the best coaches in the area Gameday sports therapy (sports massage & taping) Events Varsity Tour American Dream Strictly Braves Dancing Club End of Season Awards Superbowl Party Achievements National Finalists 2017/18 Undefeated in Div 1 North 2019/20 Quarter-final win over Newcastle in 2019/20 saw the first all-female referee crew in BAFA Play-Off Quarter Finalists 2023 Play-Off Finalists 2024 (BUCS Silver Medal) Play-Off Finalists 2025 (BUCS Silver Medal) Undefeated in Div 2 Midlands 2024/25 (Promotion to Div 1) Notable former players Marcus Peterson – Wide Receiver Marcus has had a contract with NFL team LA Chargers after playing for the Braves as a Wide Reciever. Jean Richard Wohi – Defensive Lineman After playing for the Braves, Jean has played for Frankfurt Universe in GFL 1, the top division in Europe as both a Defensive and Offensive Lineman. Simeon Okonta - Wariso – Defensive Lineman Simeon played for the Ingelstad Dukes in GFL 1 (German Football League) after his time playing for Derby as well representing his country for Team GB, After his time in the GFL he then moved onto play in the CFL (Canadian Football League) playing for the Toronto Argonaughts. Joe Perkins - Wide Reciever Joe was extremely recognised for him being the youngest player to play for Team GB. In his time at derby he 3-peat Seasonal MVP, Leading our team in touchdowns and being a versatile athlete. Tom Jones – Running Back Tom played for Saarland Hurricanes in the GFL 1 after his time with the Braves, and most recently he was playing for the Postdam Royals. He also represented for his country playing for Team GB. Andrew Ness - Offensive Lineman Andrew played for Frankfurt Universe in the GFL (German Football League), after his time with the Braves. Jozef Tobolkiewicz - Offensive Lineman Jozef played for the Hamburg Huskies in the GFL, after his time with the Braves. He also represented his country playing Team GB in his time playing at the Braves. Jamaal Fredericks - Linebacker Jamaal Played for various team in Europe playing in Finland and Latvia for Wasa Royals and Riga Lions after his time playing at the Braves. Aswell he has represeted his country playing for Team GB and with this he has played at the highest levels in britball playing for the Leicester Falcons, Tamworth Pheonix and London Warriors. Contact Us Email: american.football@derbyunion.co.uk Instagram: derby_braves X: derby_braves If you're interested in joining the Braves, feel free to come down to one of our sessions or drop us a message on one of our social media platforms. #BeBrave