Aspiring sixth form student represents Great Britain at American Football

Aspiring sixth form student represents Great Britain at American Football

An aspiring American Football player, studying at Solihull Sixth Form College, has recently returned from Sweden where he was representing Great Britain. 

Joel Stokes has been playing American Football for the last three years, having started it at school. He also shared an interest in the sport from watching NFL matches with his father.

He now plays for Birmingham Lions at tight end, running-back and receiver positions, as well as being a part of the South Coast Crusaders Academy in Farnborough.

Joel was selected to play for Great Britain through trials and travelled to Sweden in January for his second GB match, having already played a match against an All-American side.

The team established a comprehensive first half lead over Sweden before the game was forfeited, but it was a good first experience for Joel.

He commented: "My ambitions with American Football have always been to get into the NFL Academy in Loughborough. I am delighted to have been to attend trials for the Academy in February and I'm hoping I will be successful."

Joel is currently studying A levels in English Language, Politics and Psychology and hopes to forge a career as a solicitor or a barrister in the future.