University of Essex, Colchester
Essex Blades American Football
The Essex Blades American Football team represents the University of Essex in Colchester: a mixed BUCS squad built for rookies, veterans, sideline noise, and East Anglian pride.
2026/27 season · Crowdfunding now live
Help armour the Blades!
Our official crowdfunding campaign is now live! As we begin the 2026/27 season, we're calling on our players, alumni, friends, family and supporters to help us build a stronger future for Essex Blades American Football.
We're raising funds for essential equipment and resources to develop our programme and give our players the best possible experience. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.
Whether you're a current Blade, a former player or a supporter of university sport, we'd massively appreciate your help.
- Our target
- £4,000
Double your impact
Thanks to the University of Essex Alumni & Friends, the first £400 donated to our campaign will be matched, so your support can go twice as far.
Can't donate? Sharing our campaign is another brilliant way to show your support.
2026/27 season
Fixtures
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Imperial Immortals
Away -
Anglia Ruskin Siege
Home -
UEA Pirates
Away -
Greenwich Mariners
Home -
City Wolfpack
Away -
UCL Emperors
Home
The club
Hard hits, fast learning, open doors.
Essex Blades American Football is the University of Essex American football team 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 this American football 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
Committee
League results
BUCS table
Follow the Essex Blades American Football league position, fixtures, and results from the official BUCS American Football 2026/27 table.