ABOUT US
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American Football Canterbury is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Our aim is to provide American Football to the Canterbury region and to help grow the game nationwide. We offer a range of programmes to enable a clear pathway for players from 10 years old, right through to senior level, to grow and develop in the sport. The programmes we run are:
Junior (10-14 years old) Youth (14 -17 years old) Senior (18+ years old) As well as full contact football, we also offer options for non-contact flag football as well. Click here for more information on flag football. |
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American Football Canterbury is home to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced coaches and senior players in the country. We are dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment, while introducing and educating new players in the fundamentals of American Football.
If you are interested in playing or would like more information about becoming involved, please fill in the form on our contacts page or email us at [email protected].
If you are interested in playing or would like more information about becoming involved, please fill in the form on our contacts page or email us at [email protected].
CANTERBURY PANTHERS FOOTBALL
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The 'Canterbury Panthers' are the representative team for American Football Canterbury for both flag football and full contact football.
The name is inspired by the numerous sightings of a mysterious big, black cat roaming the Canterbury region. Over the past few decades, hunters, farmers and other eye-witnesses have come forward to describe their encounter with the legendary "Canterbury Black Panther". Many theories and myths exist about where the beast could have originated from. People speculate it may have jumped from a passing ship, escaped from a circus or have been released from a local mini zoo when it closed down. The creature's existence remains a true mystery. The Canterbury Panthers football team are very real however. Like their namesake, they are just as fearsome, just as cunning and just as elusive on the field, as they look to make some headlines of their own. Keep an eye out for the Canterbury Panthers! |
THE gAME WE PLAY
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Most people will be familiar with the sport of American Football. Whether it's through seeing the National Football League (NFL) on TV, playing EA Sports' Madden video games, or from it's depictions in numerous Hollywood movies, American Football is certainly a staple of American culture, with the Super Bowl being their biggest sporting day. Here in New Zealand, the game is certainly a lot smaller, but due to the increased exposure via these different mediums, the popularity of the game is definitely growing at a significant rate.
American Football has been played in New Zealand since the early 80's, mainly in the North Island. In the last 20 years or so, the sport has really shown growth and expanded across the country, with clubs not only in established strongholds like Auckland and Wellington, but also in Hamilton, Tauranga, Hawkes Bay, Nelson and Otago. As well as here in Canterbury of course. The sport combines athleticism, combat, strategy and flair. It is a sport that suits a multitude of body types and skillsets. With options for kids or adults, male or female, contact or non-contact, there is something for everyone. For more information on American Football in New Zealand and clubs around the country, head to the New Zealand American Football Federation website. |
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OUR GAME FORMAT
Here in Christchurch, we play a slightly modified version of American Football from the traditional 11-a-side game. Our Senior programme is based on an 8-a-side format, while our Youth program is 5-a-side.
These forms of the game are faster paced with shorter lengths of playing time, making them exciting to both watch and play. They are also easier to understand and a great introduction for players who are new to the sport, allowing them to quickly learn the fundamentals of tackling, blocking, passing and route-running.
The limited player numbers required means it is more attractive to smaller markets with limited playing numbers. On top of that, it is also more cost effective, as less players means less equipment required.
Overall, it's the same sport, just on a slightly smaller field with slightly fewer players - similar to what sevens is to rugby.
8-a-side and 5-a-side has been played in Canada and the USA for over 50 years, where it has been highly successful in a number of states, with dedicated leagues set up to cater for the shortened format of the sport. Playing these versions of the game is becoming a popular option for other countries across the world, as they also introduce the sport. In New Zealand, all of the contact playing clubs have also adopted the 8-a-side version of the game. This has created alignment across the regions and could allow for future inter-provincial competition.
These forms of the game are faster paced with shorter lengths of playing time, making them exciting to both watch and play. They are also easier to understand and a great introduction for players who are new to the sport, allowing them to quickly learn the fundamentals of tackling, blocking, passing and route-running.
The limited player numbers required means it is more attractive to smaller markets with limited playing numbers. On top of that, it is also more cost effective, as less players means less equipment required.
Overall, it's the same sport, just on a slightly smaller field with slightly fewer players - similar to what sevens is to rugby.
8-a-side and 5-a-side has been played in Canada and the USA for over 50 years, where it has been highly successful in a number of states, with dedicated leagues set up to cater for the shortened format of the sport. Playing these versions of the game is becoming a popular option for other countries across the world, as they also introduce the sport. In New Zealand, all of the contact playing clubs have also adopted the 8-a-side version of the game. This has created alignment across the regions and could allow for future inter-provincial competition.
GLOSSARY OF AMERICAN FOOTBALL positions
OFFENCE
Quarterback (QB): The quarterback is the leader of the offence. They receive the ball from the centre and are responsible for directing the plays, passing the ball or handing it off to a runner.
Running Back (RB): The running back is the predominant ball runner on the field. They may also catch passes and block for the quarterback and other players.
Wide Receiver (WR): Wide receivers are the primary targets for the quarterbacks passes. They use their speed and agility to get open and catch the ball down field.
Offensive Line (OL): The offensive line is usually where you will find the biggest players on the field. Their job is to protect the quarterback by blocking defenders and to create running lanes for the running back.
Centre (C): The centre is part of the offensive line. They have the added responsibility of snapping the ball between their legs to the quarterback at the beginning of each play.
DEFENCE
Defensive Line (DL): The defensive line positions themselves with one hand on the ground, a yard in front of the offensive line. Their aim is to stop the running plays, pressure the quarterback and generally disrupt the offence.
Linebacker (LB): Linebacker is an extremely versatile position. This player needs to be a tackling machine, as a big part of their role is stopping the run plays, but they also need to have the quickness to be able to drop back and cover receivers on passing plays. Sometimes they may even line up and rush the quarterback.
Cornerback (CB): Cornerbacks are usually the fastest players on defence. They defend against the wide receivers and try to prevent them from catching the ball.
Safety (S): Safety is another role that calls for some versatility. They usually form the last line of defence, playing further back to help the cornerbacks cover pass plays. However, safeties also need to be athletic enough to come forward and make stops on run plays as well.
Quarterback (QB): The quarterback is the leader of the offence. They receive the ball from the centre and are responsible for directing the plays, passing the ball or handing it off to a runner.
Running Back (RB): The running back is the predominant ball runner on the field. They may also catch passes and block for the quarterback and other players.
Wide Receiver (WR): Wide receivers are the primary targets for the quarterbacks passes. They use their speed and agility to get open and catch the ball down field.
Offensive Line (OL): The offensive line is usually where you will find the biggest players on the field. Their job is to protect the quarterback by blocking defenders and to create running lanes for the running back.
Centre (C): The centre is part of the offensive line. They have the added responsibility of snapping the ball between their legs to the quarterback at the beginning of each play.
DEFENCE
Defensive Line (DL): The defensive line positions themselves with one hand on the ground, a yard in front of the offensive line. Their aim is to stop the running plays, pressure the quarterback and generally disrupt the offence.
Linebacker (LB): Linebacker is an extremely versatile position. This player needs to be a tackling machine, as a big part of their role is stopping the run plays, but they also need to have the quickness to be able to drop back and cover receivers on passing plays. Sometimes they may even line up and rush the quarterback.
Cornerback (CB): Cornerbacks are usually the fastest players on defence. They defend against the wide receivers and try to prevent them from catching the ball.
Safety (S): Safety is another role that calls for some versatility. They usually form the last line of defence, playing further back to help the cornerbacks cover pass plays. However, safeties also need to be athletic enough to come forward and make stops on run plays as well.
