PLAYING IN THE NWFL SOUTH-West DIVISION
Founded in 2016, the Portsmouth Dreadnoughts Women offer the opportunity to play full-contact American Football to women aged 18 and up. We are actively welcoming new players for the 2022 season and beyond. You don’t need any experience – just enthusiasm, effort and a willingness to learn.
Training
Where?
Havant Rugby Club, PO4 9SA
When?
Mondays 7-9pm
Fridays 8-10pm
NOTE: The team is currently on a short break following the conclusion of the 2021 season. We will update here when training is back on.
Meet The Coaches
Head Coach: Callum Murdoch
Coach Murdoch joined the Portsmouth Dreadnoughts as a player for the adult team in its very first season. Following his retirement from playing in 2018, he began his coaching journey as the running backs coach for the adult team. Murdoch later became running backs coach for the Portsmouth Destroyers during their undefeated 2019/2020 season. After developing his coaching skills, he became head coach for the women’s team in 2021.
Coach Murdoch immediately began installing his vision for the women’s team, and the results have certainly shown themselves on the field. Under his leadership, the Portsmouth Dreadnoughts Women ended the year as champions of their division.
Offensive Co-ordinator: Mike Schneider
Coach Schneider plays offensive tackle for the Bournemouth Bobcats and was also head coach of the women’s team in 2020. He joined the Portsmouth Dreadnoughts Women as offensive co-ordinator in 2021.
Coach Schneider used his vast experience of Britball offenses to craft the exciting and highly successful attack that won the championship in 2021.
Defensive Co-ordinators: Charyle Mercer & Darrell Ellis
Coach Mercer originally joined the Portsmouth Dreadnoughts as a player, and now operates in a player-coach capacity. She is also plays for the national team, having being called up to the GB Lions Women’s squad.
Sharing DC duties is Coach Ellis. Ellis has a long history of coaching women’s American Football and has been an important part of the Portsmouth Dreadnoughts set up since 2018. Together Coach Mercer and Coach Ellis have created a fearsome, championship-winning defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can play American Football?
If you can run around in a field, you can play American Football. You don’t need any special skills, you don’t need to be able to bench press 100kg, and you don’t need a certain body type. Football is inclusive and we welcome anyone.
Will I make the team?
Yes! We don’t have ‘tryouts’ and you don’t ‘make’ the team. We welcome players of all abilities and nobody is turned away. Everyone who comes along to training, and is up to date with subs, is eligible to play on gameday.
How much does it cost?
There’s no denying that American Football can be expensive, but at the Portsmouth Dreadnoughts we are committed to making the sport as inclusive as possible. We have team kit that can be borrowed before you buy your own. When you’re ready to get your own gear, we have relationships with local suppliers who offer team discounts.
The other cost is player subs, which cover paying for our practice field, travel for games and new equipment. We keeps subs as low as possible and offer payment in instalments. If you are a new player, your first 3 training sessions are completely free of charge.
What do I need to bring?
Just a pair of boots (football or rugby boots are fine), a gum shield and a bottle of water.