ROUGHRIDERS JOIN EK PIRATES FAMILY

East Kilbride Pirates have expanded their gridiron family by joining forces with British College League sides, Caledonian Roughriders.

In recent years the Pirates have been trying to rebuild in order to ensure their survival for many years to come.

Last season saw the British Senior League side teamed up with the Clyde Valley Youth programme to ensure a steady flow of young talent into the senior ranks.

Now the Pirates have gone back to school to complete the picture.

While East Kilbride still have strong connections with several British College League teams, they have decided to cement things with one university in particular.

Said Pirates Chairman and newly appointed Roughriders Lineman Coach Iain Smith, "For too long now the Pirates have been focused only on our own endeavours and that had potentially been hurting our recruiting.”

“Last season was very encouraging, practicing alongside all the youth talent that Clyde Valley has, now, we hope to build on our broadened horizons and help the entire Gridiron Community where possible. “

“In Caledonia, we see the perfect opportunity to help their existing coach's improve the playing standard of the team.”

“We also know from personal experience how much potential the Roughriders have, Ian McGowan joined us from Cally last season and was sensational in his first season for us and hopefully, encouraged by the standard of help were giving this season, more Roughriders will follow him up to the Pirates. “

“On a personal note, with 20 years experience in the game, it’s been a breath of fresh air for me getting out on the field and passing on some hints and tips to guys, some of whom weren't even born when I bought my first set of kit.”

“Hopefully we can help Robert Mann the current head coach, all the help he needs to have a competitive season.”

Smith added: “This is also just the first step by the Pirates, we hope that more of our players and coaches will get on the field with other BCAFL teams to encourage them to come along to Scotland Premier Team, The East Kilbride Pirates as we try to improve our fortunes in the latter stages of the season"

The Roughriders are now in their second season in the British College League and will host their first home match this week when the welcome British College new boys, the Paisley Pyros.

And Roughriders player and Chairman Ian McGowan knows from personal experience the benefit alongside the Pirates set up, having enjoyed a successful debut season in the British Senior League this year.

He said: “We, the Caledonian Roughriders, are honoured that the East Kilbride Pirates have chosen to affiliate with us. We hope that, with the coaching and input they can provide, we can build a very successful football programme that will be here for many years to come."

" The hard work that the coaching staff from the Pirates have already provided has shown an immediate improvement in our player’s skill and knowledge of the game. We believe this is a strong forward step in the development of American Football within Scotland."