Coach, Greg Ivison, brought the news to all the players in September when it was announced that no games, including practices, will take place.
This came after an official announcement was made by the university to postpone all East London sports until next term due to Covid-19 cases rising across the country.
Hopeful
Linebacker Norbert Laslo, spoke about his frustrations on not being able to participate in American Football this year.
Laslo said: “Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to have any practices since lockdown happened in March. I’m not sure who made the initial decision to postpone practices decisions, but we understand the reasons behind this.”
“I feel somewhat sad about this as American Football was a great activity to keep me fit and to help with stress. Now we don’t have much else but coursework and studies, but we obviously understand,” he continued.
Although sporting events are still taking place across the country behind closed doors, the University decided that it is unsafe for sports to be played while the virus is around.
Due to the amount of players required to fill an American Football squad, the chances for contracting the disease appear greater.
Laslo went on to discuss the long absence from the team and how he looks forward to being able to get back together and start training once again.
“My teammates feel the same, the group hasn’t met in a long time, but I’m sure once we manage to get back together and train, it will be a good feeling. We are in some way expecting the lockdown to last the whole year and we don’t get to play the game at all.”
“Not having any sports to play, let alone, American Football leaves more time for other things, but it would still be nice to just stand in the cold for a while and throw the ball around.” He said.
“This is what I miss the most and I can’t wait to be able to get out there again,” Concluded Laslo.
Looking to the future
Following the recruitment of some new players combined with players from previous seasons the team were looking forward to what promised to be an exciting season.
Final year students in particular were hopeful to make a good impression for the newcomers after only having played eight games last season.
Six games were played in the BUCS Championship, followed by a varsity match and a friendly charity game against Greenwich.
In his initial message to the players, coach Ivison seemed optimistic about this year and took the positives out of the situation.
“Just wanted to give a little update for everyone for the university about sports this fall. So all university sports rather than scholar sports or not have been postponed until the new year.” He said.
“We’re still trying to figure it out, but we will be able to have practices and from the sounds of it will still be able to have S&C along with that we will have freshers fair that will take place virtually.”
Although the freshers fair wasn’t the same as previous years, the team still decided to go ahead and make a virtual appearance.
Ivison said: “This virtual fair will take place on September 21 and if anyone has any idea for videos or wants to record themselves about why they would join the team and how they like it so I can post it as a link for people who are interested to see.”
UEL will look forward to the future as they hope to get back on the field in the new year and get back to winning ways once again.
