1991 Coca Cola Div 2 Bolton Buccaneers @ Millton Keynes Pioneers

Brandon Cook has provided me another film being the return match of the last post between the Bucs and Pioneers at Milton Keynes

1991 21st April Coca Cola Div 2 Bolton Buccaneers -v- Milton Keynes Pioneers

Sorry it has been quite for a while but I have not had any more video to upload. Thanks to Brandon Cook that changed and here is the 1991 Coca Cola League 2 Match played at Bolton between the Bucs and the Pioneers

 

1987 Bud Bowl - London Ravens vs Manchester All-Stars

Another Bud Bowl thanks to Nick Crowe. Played at Loftus Road.

1989 Bud Bowl highlights - Manchester Spartans vs Birmingham Bulls

With thanks to Nick Crowe highlights from the 1989 Budweiser Bowl

1988 Oct Passball - Humberside Tide vs Lonestar Bedfordshire

More Passball thanks to SundaywithSteelers

1993 Glasgow Lions season review

Sorry for the lack of updates but no new film has come my way until today and I've had some holiday. Whilst I wait for an upload to finish here is something posted by Kevin Jefferson on Youtube

1991 Leeds Cougars -v- Nottingham Hoods

Film five from the Mark Raynor collection

The film rolls in places but is largely watchable

1991 Leeds Cougars -v- Birmingham Bulls

Film four from the Mark Raynor collection

The film rolls in places but is largely watchable

1989 BYAFA Gateshead Mets -v- Manchester Colts

 With thanks to Mark Nicholson the second of two 1989 youth games



 

1989 BYAFA Gateshead Mets -v- Glasgow Diamonds youth

With thanks to Mark Nicholson the first of two 1989 youth games

1989 Leeds Cougars -v- Birmingham Bulls

Film three from the Mark Raynor collection

Still film roll and disjointed sound but largely watchable

1989 Leeds Cougars -v- Northants Stormbringers

The second from Mark Raynor's collection

The sound is a bit off and the film rolls in places but it is watchable in most places

1989 Leeds Cougars -v- Leicester Panthers

Back from holiday and I have a tape of several Leeds Cougars games from Mark Raynor

Here is the first one

The sound is a bit off and the film rolls in places but it is watchable in most places

1993 May 30th Bedford Bombadiers -v- Ipswich Cardinals

Another BNGL National Division game from Tony Rivers

Sorry the sound was either never there of failed to make it through the passage of time.

1993 May 16th Rockingham Rebles -v- Bedford Bombadiers

A BNGL national division clash thanks to Tony Rivers

1990 Leicester Huntsmen @ Essex Buccaneers

Thanks to Tony Rivers, again. I think this is a 1990 NCMMA regular season match up but if anyone knows more please post in the comments.

1988 Passball Semi-final Ealing Eagles @ Essex Buccaneers

Tony Rivers contribution to Passball history is this semi-final. It tape ends before the game did.

1993 Mar 7th Pre-Season Bedford Bombadiers -v- Farnham Knights

Another game from Tony Rivers. One of three 1993 Bedford films but not sure who is playing against them in the other two. Does anyone have a program for Bedford with the schedule for 1993?

1989 Essex Buccaneers -v- Kent Rams

Another one from Tony Rivers. Not sure of the year but probably 1989 as they played in the same division of the CGL that year.

1989 May 14th Nottingham Hoods -v- Bournemouth Bobcat

Another film from Tony Rivers. A bit blurry I'm afraid

1994 Oct 2nd Essex Youth @ Norwich Youth

Thanks to Tony Rivers for this tape.

1993 May 9th Birmingham Bulls -v- Leicester Panthers

Thanks to Brian Yates for this tape

1988 West Bromwich Fireballs -v- Stoke Spitfires

The last film from Darrell Thomas' collection

1987 Stoke Spitfires -v- Walsall Titans

Another Darrell Thomas contribution with a 1987 Midlands match up

1990 BNGL National Bowl Ipswich Cardinals -v- Clydesdale Colts

A film from Ian Girling and another Bowl game with some post match interviews.

The tape said 1991 on it and I saved it with that name but research shows it was the 1990 final and Ipswich played in Europe in 1991 with the win. So if you download the file remember to rename it 1990

1988 Stoke Spitfires -v- Lokomotive Derby

Not 100% certain of the year and so if you know different please post below. Thanks again to Darrell Thomas for the original tape.

Site update

Dear visitor

I am very proud and somewhat surprised to report that after starting this site on the 9th of April last night (24th July) we passed 10,000 page views.

Thank you to all who have contributed and all who have checked out film through the archive to make this site so well visited in such a short time.

I am still always looking for new film so if you have any tapes tucked away please thing about sending them to me for conversion.

1987 Stoke Spitfires -v- Mansfield Express

Another Darrell Thomas film for the archive

1988 Stoke Spitfires -v The Huskies

An appearance of The Huskies (from Birmingham) thanks to Darrell Thomas

1987 Stoke Spitfires -v- Wolverhampton Outlaws

This local midlands match up is courtesy of Darrell Thoms

1992 Apr 25th Stoke Spitfires -v- Edinburgh Phoenix

Another Stoke film but this time from Andy Crowther

1987 Aug 1st Stoke Spitfires -v- West Brom Fireballs

A local Midlands Derby between Stoke and West Brom from Darrell Thomas

1990 Stoke Spitfires -v- Cannock Chase Giants

No sound on this film from Darrell Thomas from 1990

1987 26th July Windsor Monarchs @ City of London Stags

I have been asked to remove this film by the copyright holder and have duly done so.

1987 9th May City of London Stags @ Windsor Monarchs

I have been asked to remove this film by the copyright holder and have duly done so.

1990 Mar 18th Stoke Spitfires -v- Washington Grays

Another pre-season game (I think) from Darrell Thomas

1988 Pre-Season Stoke Spitefires -v- Burton Barons

Another Darrell Thomas tape with a midlands pre-season meeting

1988 Lokomotive Derby -v- Stoke Spitfires

Another film via Darrell Thomas. I have to report that it seems very shaky in parts but if you can get through that it is watchable.

1988 May 22nd Stoke Spitfires -v- Wrekin Giants

Another rivalry match up between Stoke and Wrekin

1991 Play-off Cardiff Mets -v- Stoke Spitfires

Not the best filmed game but hopefully enjoyable by some. Tape from Darrell Thomas

1991 Basingstoke Ironsides -v- Farnham Knights Youth

The last Mark Parry game for now

1991 Farnham Knights Youth -v- Basingstoke Ironsides

Another film from Mark Parry this time from Mytchett Community Center.

1988 Jun 26th Wrekin Giants -v- Stoke Spitfires

Despite a lot of people thanking me for the memories all I am doing is putting up material provided by others, in this case Darrell Thomas.

1991 Basingstoke Ironsides vs Kent Rams Youth

Another of Mark Parry's films from Basingstoke with Kent coming to town

1991 Basingstoke Ironsides vs Brighton B52s Youth

Thanks to Mark Parry I have four games from the Hampshire Ironsides only kitted season in 1991.

This first one is from Down Grange, Basingstoke where the Brighton B52's youth were the visitors.

1989 Stoke Spitfires -v- Walsall Titans

The third film from the Darrell Thomas tape Stoke hosting Walsall in 1989.

1989 Stoke Spitfires -v- Leicester Huntsmen

I had a tape from Darrell Thomas with three games on but no year. However I have been told by various sources it is 1989 and so have labeled accordingly.



NB If you download this game it will be a file called Stoke Spitfires -v- Walsall Titans. The original tape was mislabeled and the true opponents were ony identified after it was uploaded and displayed. So you will need to rename the file if you want the correct details.

1989 Cannock Chase -v- Stoke Spitfires

Another game from the mystery year tape from Darrell Thomas. Like the Walsall Titans game it will be from 1989.

Stoke Spitfires -v- Leicester Huntsmen

I had a tape from Darrell Thomas with three games on but no year. So if you know when this game was played let me know. The other games will appear soon so if we get the year for one we will get them all.



NB If you download this game it will be a file called Stoke Spitfires -v- Walsall Titans. The original tape was mislabeled and the true opponents were ony identified after it was uploaded and displayed. So you will need to rename the file if you want the correct details. 

1988 Portsmouth Warriors -v- Stoke Spitfires

Not too sure when this game was played. It looks like Mountbatten Stadium and so must be between 1987 and 1990. As the officials are wearing 2 inch stripes it is probably earlier rather than latter. If any one knows more about this game from a Darrell Thomas tape please let me know.

1986 Nov 9th BAFL Vale Challenge Trophy Stoke Spitfires -v- Locomotive Derby

I hope I have the date right on this conversion from another Darrell Thomas tape

1990 Stoke Spitfires v Scunthorpe Steelers

Another film from Darrell Thomas with the 1990 clash between the Spitfires and Steelers from Stoke

1988 Mar 27th Pre-Season Stoke Spitfires -v- Luton Flyers

Another Stoke Pre-season game thanks to Darrell Thomas . This time from 1988.

1992 Apr 3rd Birmingham Bulls -v Stoke Spitfires (Pre-season)

Thanks to Darrell Thomas for delivering a big box of Stoke Spitfire games.

Here is the first. A pre-season friendly from Alexander Stadium. The whole game in 30 minutes by just showing the plays.

1985 Nov 17th Slough Silvberbacks -v- Cardiff Tigers

The last tape from Barry Bannister

1985 Oct 20th Slough Silverbacks -v- Dunstable Cowboys

Another tape from Barry Bannister where I have guessed the opponent. Again I think it was likely the cowboys refered to on the tape were the Dunstable Cowboys but I am happy to be corrected. Again the original tape was not the cleanest but still watchable

1985 Sep 22nd Slough Silverbacks -v- Wrekin Giants

Barry Bannister's tape says Slough -v- Giants. I have assumed this is the Wrekin Giants as they were the only Giants playing in 1985 I think. If you know different post below.

The tape quality was not as good as some of the other films but is still watchable.

1986 Jun 1st Oxford Bulldogs -v- Slough Silverbacks

A 1986 match from Oxford as the Bulldogs host the Silverbacks at Oxford RFU. Another from Barry Bannister's collection.

Unfortunately the tape slips from colour to black and white and back to colour frequently. However the video is still watchable.

1985 Sep 15th Slough Silverbacks -v- Reading Renegades

Another 1985 game between Slough and Reading thanks to Barry Bannister. I assume one was at Reading and one at Slough but I do not know which was which. Can anyone help?

1985 Sep 1st Slough Silverbacks -v- Reading Renegades

After being away for a week or so I was greated on my return by a set of Slough Silverback tapes from Barry Bannister

Here is the first of them



PS I may have named the film 1995 if you download it please change the name to 1985

1991 Apr 24th Gateshead Senators @ Leicester Panthers

Another contribution from Tony Rivers

1989 Jun 11th Scunthorpe Steelers -v- Stoke Spitfires

One I got in just under the upload limit this week from 1989 and a week after their previous meeting

1991 Apr 7th Pre-season Coventry Jaguars @ Leicester Panthers

This time Tony Rivers has a Leicester game

1986 Aug 10th Scunthorpe Steelers -v- Steel City Giants

Another early game from Scunthorpe

1992 Aug 2nd Leicester Panthers at Birmingham Bulls Semi Final

The 1992 Panthers Semi Final from Andy Crowther's videos

1992 July 26th Leicester Panthers v Brighton B52's Quarter Final

Into the playoffs from Andy Crowther's 1992 Panthers collection

1992 July 19th Leicester Panthers v Fylde Falcons

Next up is a game I worked in Andy Crowther's collection

1992 July 12th Leicester Panthers at Gateshead GI's

Third in the run from Andy Crowther. Panthers @ Gateshead

1992 July 7th Leicester Panthers at Nottingham Hoods

Next up via Andy Crowther Panthers -v- Hoods

1992 June 28th Leicester Panthers vs Manchester Spartans

Whilst I have been converting videos and waiting for my upload limit to reset Andy Crowther has been very busy, Here are most of the Leicester Panthers films from their 1992 Season, Starting with Manchester Spartans.

1991 BNGL Bowl London Capitals -v- Clydesdale Colts

Not the best quality video I'm afraid but thanks to Jim Briggs we have (most of) another final game

1988 May 1st Scunthorpe Steelers vs Steel City Giants

Thanks to Scunthorpe Steelers for providing this link

1991 Mar 31st Pre-Season Essex Gladiators @ Leicester Panthers

Tony Rivers has increased the number of Leicester Panthers games with this Pre-Season clash against Essex Gloadiators

1989 Jun 4th Stoke Spitfires -v- Scunthorpe Steelers

I've had some Stoke people in touch and some Scunthorpe people in touch and thanks to a tape from Jim Briggs I have tries to keep both groups happy with this film.

1994 Leeds Cougars -v- Brighton B52s

Jim Briggs got this tape to me



The label says 1994 Leeds Cougars -v- Brighton B52s. I am not certain though. If you know better please post below.

1993 Nov 14th Leicester Lemmings at Oxford - BCAFL 93/94

Another one from the Andy Crowther collection

Eurobowl VIII 1994 London Olympians -v- Bergamo Lions

Another link with thanks to Red Pants

1st half


2nd half

Eurobowl VII 1993 - London Olympians -v- Amsterdam Crusaders

With thanks to Red Pants

1988 Leicester Panthers youth v Gateshead Senators youth

Another Andy Crowther contribution

1994 Jan 30th Leicester Lemmings at Southampton - BCAFL (1993/94)

Another game from Andy Crowther's university career

1991 May 12th Birmingham Bulls vs Manchester Spartans

Another film from the Birmingham Bulls Archive thanks to Kevin Jefferson

1986 Sept 28th AAFL Steel Bowl Scunthorpe Steelers -v- Wirral Wolves

The AAFL Steel Bowl 1986 (Tape provided by Jim Briggs)

1987 Nottingham Hoods vs Slough Silverbacks - Budweiser League

Another from Kevin Jefferson

1993 Nov 7th BCAFL Leicester Lemmings at Loughborough Aces

A college east midlands match up from Andy Crowther

1988 Leicester Panthers youth v Leeds Cougars youth

Another film from Andy Crowther's collection

1989 London Ravens at London Olympians

Kevin Jefferson continues to provide film. This time a clash between London's giants of the early days

1992 Team USA Milwaukee -v- GB Crusaders

With thanks to Alan Mead an early UK national Junior touring team game from the USA

1991 Mar 24th Scrimmage Thames Valley Chargers @ Leicester Panthers

A scrimmage before the 1991 season with thanks to Tony Rivers for the tape

1986 June 22nd Hereford Chargers -v- Dutchy Destroyers

While trawling the Internet for film I found a site where it suggests the original owner of this film is still providing copies as part of his business. Therefore to avoid any problems I have withdrawn this film until I can obtain permission to share it again.

1988 Jul 17th Olympians@Chelmsford

With thanks to Tony Rivers

1987 Nottingham Hoods vs Cardiff Tigers - Budwieser League

One from Kevin Jefferson

1988 Leicester Panthers Youth vs Holywell Heroes Youth

Another Andy Crowther film

1988 Sept 18th Leicester Panthers Youth -v- Steel City Youth

Another film from Andy Crowther

1988 Luton Flyers -v- Chelmsford Cherokee

With thanks to Tony Rivers for the film.

The sound stops after a while but the film is the complete game

1991 Birmingham Bulls vs Glasgow Lions

Another film from Kevin Jefferson and the Bulls archive

1988 Leicester Panther Youth v Manchester Spartans Youth

More from Andy Crowther and Leicester youth

1994 Dec 4th BCAFL Leicester Lemmings -v- Leeds Celtics

A college game for you to enjoy



Thanks to Brian Yates for the tape

1988 Leicester Panther Youth vs Lakenheath Airbase

Another youth game from Andy Crowther.

1988 Leicester Panthers youth v Glasgow Lions youth

Andy Crowther has been uploading like mad so enjoy some of his early games

1988 June 26th CGL Merton Admirals -v- Medway Mustang

One of my earlier games and whatever happened to that coach on the Merton sideline?



The tape did get a bit worn in places 

1992 June 7th Leicester Panthers -v- Nottingham Hoods

A 1992 match up between local  rivals in the top division



Thanks to Brian Yates for the tape

1987 Leicester Panther Youth v Durham City Chiefs Youth

Thanks to Andy Crowther for this posting



Andy has a lot of films on his Youtube pages which will not feature in this archive at present (but will probably make it in time) and so you might want to have a look there if you want some more recent films

1990 Birmingham Bulls at Leicester Panthers

Another film from the Birmingham Bulls Archive again thanks to Kevin Jefferson

1994 Aug 28th BAFA Div 2 final Milton Keynes Pioneers -v- Bedford Bombadiers

The 1994 Division 2 final thanks to Brandon Cook and Mick Tilbury

1987 Wolverhampton Outlaws -v- Stoke Spitefires

A 1987 Midlands match-up (thanks to Richard Prattley for the original tape)

1994 Aug 14th BAFA Div 2 SF Milton Keynes Pioneers -v- Brighton B52's

Game 2 from the 1994 playoffs again thanks to Brandon Cook and Mick Tilbury

1994 Aug 7th BAFA Div 2 QF Milton Keynes Pioneers -v- Plymouth Admirals

The first of three of the 1994 playoff games with thanks to Brandon Cook and Mick Tilbury

1991 Northants Storm @ Birmingham Bulls

Again thanks to Kevin Jefferson and the Birmingham Bulls film archive

1986 June 29th Dutchy Destroyers -v- Newton GWs

While trawling the Internet for film I found a site where it suggests the original owner of this film is still providing copies as part of his business. Therefore to avoid any problems I have withdrawn this film until I can obtain permission to share it again.

1991 Euro Final Finland -v- GB

The 1991 European Final

1995 BAFA Bowl Div 3 Gwent -v- Oxford

The 1995 Div 3 final from Saffron Lane, Leicester

1986 June 8th Dutchy Destroyers -v- Hereford Chargers

While trawling the Internet for film I found a site where it suggests the original owner of this film is still providing copies as part of his business. Therefore to avoid any problems I have withdrawn this film until I can obtain permission to share it again.

1991 BYAFA Youth Final - Northants Storm -v- London Capitals

 The BYAFA Final from 1991. Taken from Youtube with the permission of Steve Booth. I have put it into one file but the original Youtube links are below as well.



Original Youtube links
1st Q    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiOHSDxo_MM
2nd Q   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7MKe6zUCZE
3rd Q   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9GdKAS1V0A
4th Q 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tua2bbTBMzw
4th Q 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlZHklxgn1M

1987 JGL Youth Two Touch Final - Kent Rams -v- Chelmsford Cherokee

The first two touch final from 1987. Taken from Youtube with the permission of dt00th. I have put it into one file but the original Youtube links are below as well. It is only 320 x 240 so there will be a lot of distortion on a big monitor



Youtube links
Part 1  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGJL_ej3t78
Part 2  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRHl-zXBSp4
Part 3  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSqu-x5X6yE
Part 4  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A76bEgWthzc
Part 5  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhGI25fT9qM

1994 BAFA Glasgow -v- Birmingham

Another film from the Birmingham Bulls Archive with thanks to Kevin Jefferson

Over 20 minutes from Scotland

1989 9th April Bournemouth Bobcat -v- Bristol Packers

Probably the first game for these teams in the 1989 National Division. Thanks to Fergus Keogh for providing the tape.

1987 Aug 16th Mount's Bay -v- Cardiff Mets

One of my games from my first season

1991 Coke Bowl Birmingham Bulls -v- London Olympians

Another one from Kevin Jefferson and from the Birmingham Bulls Archive

1991 Holland vs Great-Britain

The Semi Final round of the 1991 European Championship in Helsinki

Posted by Rene Hollart on YouTube

1988 Bud Bowl Birmingham Bulls -v- London Olympians

With thanks to the Birmingham Bulls Archivist Kevin Jefferson

1987 West Bromwich Fireballs -v- Leicester Huntsmen

The third West Brom game I have again thanks to Richard Prattley

1990 June 24th Dutchy Destroyers @ Bristol Pirates

While trawling the Internet for film I found a site where it suggests the original owner of this film is still providing copies as part of his business. Therefore to avoid any problems I have withdrawn this film until I can obtain permission to share it again.

1990 8th April Leicester Panthers -v- London Olympians

A game between two early Powerhouse teams from Saffron Lane, Leicester



Another Richard Prattley provided tape

1989 BCAFL Southampton -v- Reading

The first college offering and the first Southampton Stags game

Thanks to Fergus Keogh for the lend of the tape

1987 West Bromwich Fireballs -v- Fylde Falcons

Another 1987 game from the Midlands



Tape provided by Richard Prattley

1987 West Bromwich Fireballs -v- Wirral Wolves

1987 and that's about all I can tell you



The original tape was provided by Richard Prattley

1986 Birmingham Bulls -v- Walsall Titans - Only part

This tape was only viewable for the first 20 minutes but here is what was salvageable.



The original tape was provided by Richard Prattley

1986 May 11th Dutchy Destroyers -v- South Star Scorpions no sound

While trawling the Internet for film I found a site where it suggests the original owner of this film is still providing copies as part of his business. Therefore to avoid any problems I have withdrawn this film until I can obtain permission to share it again.

1991 May 19th Essex Gladiators -v- Bournemouth Bobcat

Played at Chelmsford

1987 Black Country Nailers -v- Merseyside Centurions

A game from 1987 and perhaps as early in the year as Jan 8th



The original tape was provided by Richard Prattley

1988 Farnham Knights -v- Oxford Bulldogs

A game played at the Mytchett Community Centre

1989 Bournemouth Bobcat -v- London Ravens

The first posting will be from a 1989 match between the Bournemouth Bobcat and the London Ravens.

Played in Kings Park, Bournemouth on the 11th June. It would have been a Budweiser National Division game.

The tape was provided by Fergus Keogh

Welcome to the Britball Film Archive

With British American Football (affectionatly known as Britball) heading towards its 30th Birthday we noticed more and more sites springing up remembering old teams and the early days of football in the UK.

There are a few resources to capture the history of the sport and these hold newspaper clippings, reports and interviews with the pioneers of our sport.

One thing that we do not seem to have a central store of is video from the early days. Most of this was captured on VHS tapes and with the advance of technology many people no longer have the means to watch old films. This leads to people throwing away the now useless tapes and a part of our football heritage being forever lost.

The purpose of the website and blog is to recover as many of the early game films as possible and make them available to both those who remember the early days and those who come after.

This is as much a mission of love as anything else but hopefully it will provide a welcome addition to the Britball scene.

Lastly if you have any film on video cassette going back to the first ten years of British American football please let us know as we may be able to convert it and make it available on-line.