University of Essex, Colchester
Essex Blades
American football in black and red: a mixed BUCS team built for rookies, veterans, sideline noise, and East Anglian pride.
The club
Hard hits, fast learning, open doors.
The Blades are the University of Essex American Football club in Colchester. The current setup welcomes players of all sizes and backgrounds, with equipment provided by the club after you bring boots and a gumshield.
Training blends field work and film study, with BUCS match days giving the team its competitive rhythm through the season.
Weekly rhythm
Training at Colchester
Club training and film study
Grass Pitches, LTB and Training Grid 2BClub training
Grass Pitches, Training Grid 2BClub training
Runs when no BUCS match is scheduledJoin the roster
New to the sport? Perfect.
Come and try sessions are built for first-timers. American football rewards speed, strength, discipline, patience, communication, and the willingness to learn a role.
Visit Essex SU club pageCome and try sessions, socials, elections, and club emails.
Training, BUCS matches, and insurance cover. BUCS participation fee applies.
Club history
From borrowed kit to black-and-red standards.
The idea becomes a club
The team was started by Andrew Laing and gathered momentum through early student organisers, first practices, borrowed kit, and rapid SU recognition.
First playoff appearance
Essex earned the first playoff appearance in club history and was named BCAFL Team of the Year.
Undefeated division title
The Blades went 8-0 in the regular season, won their first division championship, and claimed the club's first playoff win.
Gold standard ambition
Recent honours include multiple Essex Blades Gold Standard Club years and a BUCS South East 1A title in 2022/23.
Derby day
Pride of East Anglia.
The Blades' most storied rivalry is with the UEA Pirates, played through the annual Pride of East Anglia Bowl. It is the fixture that turns a season into a campus story.
Essex Blades
PEA Bowl
UEA Pirates
Student led