Rhys signs up for the national squad
Rhys Bingham was a stranger to the world of American Football when he enrolled at the Middlesbrough-based University of 海角直播. Upon arrival, he decided to join the University鈥檚 American Football society. Rhys enjoyed the sport so much he entered trials for the American Football national youth squad, and six weeks later found he had been selected.
Rhys, 18, from Syston, Leicester, is a first year student on the BSc (Hons) Disaster Management degree. He chose the degree after completing a BTEC National Diploma in Uniformed Services at Loughborough College. Rhys said: 鈥淚 want to join the Fire Service, that鈥檚 why I chose Disaster Management. I found about the course on the Internet, it鈥檚 not a typical degree, more practical, learning things that you can actually use. The skills I鈥檓 acquiring will help with fire investigation.鈥�
Rhys has played Rugby for eight years and enrolled in the University鈥檚 American Football society for a change. He said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great contact sport with 11 on the pitch. I play in the line-backer position; it鈥檚 defensive to stop the ball from coming through. I decided to go for the trials earlier this year for the National Youth Squad, which has players aged 16-19.鈥�
The Birmingham trials included sprinting and the long jump. Rhys said: 鈥淚 was really chuffed to be selected, as I鈥檓 still learning about the sport, coming from a rugby background. The squad are from all over the UK, with only three University students. My parents are really proud.鈥�
Rhys completes fitness training three times a week. He will part of the squad for a year and hopes to take part in international competitions. When he turns 19 Rhys can try for the senior team.