Cornish Shark gets chance to impress in America

A Cornish born teenager has won the opportunity of a lifetime with a scholarship at a prestigious American football college in the United States. 17 year old Ryan Girling said he was "so excited" and that it was "an opportunity he never thought he would get". Ryan will be spending the next 4 years at Graceland University, in Iowa chasing the gridiron dream.

Girling, who has only been playing the sport a year and a half, learnt to play American football under the guidance of head coach Brian Smallworth, head of the Cornish Sharks.

We wish Ryan the best of luck and hope that we get to see him in the Superbowl one day!

For more information please click the following link: Truro Teen Earns Scholarship

Woman to be the first in UK to play at highest level

Jen Hilton, 27, has recently joined the Coventry Jets American football team. The team are well established in the British American Football Association's community league.

Jen is aiming to be starting running back for the team and coach Gerry McManus said that she has already won respect from the teammates because of her tough attitude.

Jen hopes to feature her first game later this month and it she starts she will be the first female to play at this level in UK American football history.

Prior to the step up women currently are reduced to a non contact version which to avid female fans like Jen Hilton, is far from the real thing.

American football is currently a vastly expanding sport within the UK especially as Wembley now hosts matches from the NFL in the International Series.

For more information follow BBC Sport American football