Sunderland Spartans: Mid-season review
As the BUCS American Football season enters the Christmas break, Sunderland Spartans sit second in Division North Eastern 2 with a record of 2-1.
The Spartans saw their final game of 2024 against York Centurions postponed due to storm Darragh. This leaves a home clash vs York Centurions and an away day against Sheffield Sabres left on their regular season fixtures.
With Sheffield sitting comfortably in first having won every game so far, the Spartan clash vs the Centurions could decide which of those two teams head into the playoffs in March.
Coming off a season where the Spartans finished 0-6, being able to enter the Christmas break with not only two wins but a winning record is something the whole team are proud of but according Head Coach Misba Islam when quoting the late Kobe Bryant: “Job’s not finished.”
After such a good start the Spartans are determined to be one of the teams playing football in March this season as they firmly have their sights set on playoff football. The mentality around the team is currently positive after recent results but the team are also aware that the best Spartan football has yet to be played.
Reflecting on the first half of the season Islam said: “I’m happy with the season but not satisfied. We have already exceeded expectations this year with our retention and recruitment of some quality new players.
“We’ve managed to win two out of three games so far which is an incredible feat that succeeds the previous two to three years.”
“We are looking to continue to build this positive, supportive, competitive culture around the club which will only benefit any new recruit when they join us.”
Looking ahead to the rest of the season Islam said: “One more win secures us second place in the table and most likely a playoff berth. All of this, in what I class as our first competitive year, is incredible.”
Discussing further about not being satisfied, Islam said: “Not being satisfied showcases how much potential and talent this team really has and it isn’t just me who isn’t satisfied, it’s my players too and that shows their desire to improve, to be better and to always want more which indicates the culture is starting to set in.”
Talking about the future of the club after this season he said: “This was never a two year goal. The plan was always to create a team that consistently recruits, trains and maintains a large competitive squad, no matter who is in charge. We aren’t there yet so when we come back in the new year, those are my expectations.
“I’m expecting my players to spend the winter working on their fitness, to recover from injuries and to hit the ground running in January. I’m also expecting a few more overseas students to come and bolster our squad for the last few games of the season.
“We have two games to go and I believe we can win them both and make a good run into the playoffs. We are already overachieving this year so the sky is the limit.”
The Spartans are currently scheduled to return to action on January 26th in an away game against Sheffield Sabres whilst they await information on their rearranged fixture against York Centurions.
