Local American football players are making their mark overseas, and their Browns Plains-based club is inviting Logan locals, even those who have never picked up the sport, to give it a go.
Logan City Bears club treasurer Michelle Reardon said three of the club’s players would be heading to America in July to represent Australia at an international Gridiron match.
“This is an honour for the players and has not occurred before,” Ms Reardon said.
Another of the club’s junior players has been selected by a university in the United States to continue his career in Gridiron.
But club president Lee Gatehouse said growing the local player base remained just as important as international and on-field success.
The Logan City Bears have more than 100 members across junior, women’s and men’s teams, with programs open to all ages and experience levels.
“We’re just focusing on bringing people in and make sure they feel like they can belong,” Mr Gatehouse said.
Mr Gatehouse, who has been involved in the sport for about a decade, said interest in gridiron was increasing locally.
“You can actually see the development of the sport, and a lot of interest in getting into the game,” Mr Gatehouse said.
“They’re representing the Bears and showing that our club can provide these opportunities.”
The club will host free “come and try” days on the 15, 22, 23 and 29 May, opening its facilities to the public.
Newcomers can meet players, learn basic skills and experience the sport first-hand.
Mr Gatehouse said the game was often misunderstood to be slow or soft.
“It really isn’t [a soft game], it’s very high-impact sport,” Mr Gatehouse said.
Mr Gatehouse said while it may look slow on television, “when you’re playing it you’re running 110%,” with breaks offering rare recovery.
With its summer season aligning with the off-season for other sports, the Bears hope more Logan residents will step outside their comfort zone and try something new.
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