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The Belfast Bulls were an
Coached by HC Buttermilk Thompson, the team was founded in 2002. The Belfast Bulls were formed late in 2002 by Chris Mitchell but in 2007 the team was led by the combined experience of Head Coach Rod Thompson, Defensive Coaches Mark Helferty and Marty McKeever, Offensive Coaches Paul Orr and John Savage.
Momentum was built as the Bulls won their first four matches and established the club as a legitimate future contender for the Shamrock Bowl title - the biggest prize in the IAFL. Although playing 8-a-side rules for the first season, it was clear that their talent and drive were a great base to improve on and achieve playing in the 11-a-side league.
The team's rookie season was 2004 where they progressed to the play-offs and were one game away from appearing in the Bowl. 2005 saw the Bulls step up another gear.
In 2008, after funding difficulties, the team was forced to fold.
* = Current Standing
IAFL official website
{{IAFL Sports clubs in Belfast American football teams in Northern Ireland 2002 establishments in Northern Ireland American football teams established in 2002 2008 disestablishments in Northern Ireland American football teams disestablished in 2008
American football
American football (referred to simply as football in the United States and Canada), also known as gridiron, is a team sport played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The offense, the team with ...
team based in Belfast
Belfast ( , ; from ga, Béal Feirste , meaning 'mouth of the sand-bank ford') is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland, standing on the banks of the River Lagan on the east coast. It is the 12th-largest city in the United Kingdo ...
, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland ( ga, Tuaisceart Éireann ; sco, label= Ulster-Scots, Norlin Airlann) is a part of the United Kingdom, situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, that is variously described as a country, province or region. Nort ...
.
Overview
Coached by HC Buttermilk Thompson, the team was founded in 2002. The Belfast Bulls were formed late in 2002 by Chris Mitchell but in 2007 the team was led by the combined experience of Head Coach Rod Thompson, Defensive Coaches Mark Helferty and Marty McKeever, Offensive Coaches Paul Orr and John Savage.
Momentum was built as the Bulls won their first four matches and established the club as a legitimate future contender for the Shamrock Bowl title - the biggest prize in the IAFL. Although playing 8-a-side rules for the first season, it was clear that their talent and drive were a great base to improve on and achieve playing in the 11-a-side league.
The team's rookie season was 2004 where they progressed to the play-offs and were one game away from appearing in the Bowl. 2005 saw the Bulls step up another gear.
In 2008, after funding difficulties, the team was forced to fold.
2006
They competed well in 2006, despite losing some experienced players to various circumstances. They narrowly lost in theShamrock Bowl
The Shamrock Bowl is the championship game of the American Football Ireland (AFI), the highest level of American football on the island of Ireland, culminating a season that begins in March of the current calendar season.
The Shamrock Bowl use ...
final of 2005.
2006 Player Awards
* Most Valuable Player - Mike Calo * Offensive Player Of The Year - Charlie Campalani * Defensive Player Of The Year - Mark Helferty * Rookie Of The Year - Tim Jebb, Connor Leckey * Most Improved Player - Andy BlackSeason-by-season records
, - , colspan="6" align="center" , IAFL , - , 2004 , , 5 , , 3 , , 0 , , 3rd IAFL, , Beaten Semi-Finalists , - , 2005 , , 7 , , 1 , , 0 , , IAFL League Champions, , BeatenShamrock Bowl
The Shamrock Bowl is the championship game of the American Football Ireland (AFI), the highest level of American football on the island of Ireland, culminating a season that begins in March of the current calendar season.
The Shamrock Bowl use ...
Finalists
, -
, 2006 , , 3 , , 5 , , 0 , , 6th IAFL , , --
, -
, 2007 , , 4 , , 3 , , 1 , , IAFL North Champions , , Beaten Semi-Finalists
, -
!Totals , , 19 , , 12 , , 1
, colspan="2", (2004–2007, excluding playoffs)
Coaching staff
Current Staff
* Head Coach - Rod Thompson * Offensive Coordinator - Rod Thompson * Defensive Coordinator - Chris Millar * Offensive Line- Paul Orr * Defensive Backs- Mike Scott * Wide Receivers- Mark HelfertyPlayers
2006 Roster
2007 Roster
2008 Roster
External links
IAFL official website
{{IAFL Sports clubs in Belfast American football teams in Northern Ireland 2002 establishments in Northern Ireland American football teams established in 2002 2008 disestablishments in Northern Ireland American football teams disestablished in 2008