Club History
One man can make a difference...
In May 2006 Dave Pankhurst had a dream. He dreamed of a day when Bedfordshire had it’s own American Football team. Not any old team. Not for him a humdrum team that would be no better than mediocre, Pankhurst’s vision was of a fully formed team. A team with an eager group of players tutored by some of the best coaches in the country. A team with one of the best youth set-ups in the country producing a steady stream of tomorrow’s star players. An impressive team run well both on and off the field. A team that sets itself higher and higher goals and achieves them. A team everyone in the area will be proud of.
Pankhurst assembled a group of like-minded individuals to help his dream become reality, and thus the Bedfordshire Blue Raiders were born. Our journey has begun.
All great journeys are a collection of small steps. Sometimes taking the next step seems difficult, but the Blue Raiders intend on never giving up.
Join us on our journey. Help us to continue making a difference
How to become a Blue Raider
Anybody interested in playing for the Blue Raiders Youth or Adult teams, or any other aspect of American Football, please contact Head Coach Craig Ramsay on 07771 595612 or via email on Nostromo20001458@aol.com.
The Blue Raiders practice at the Bedford International Athletics Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9SB. Sessions for the senior team (players aged 18 and over) begin promptly at 10:30 and finish just at 14:00. Practice for youth players begins at 14.00.
We normally practice on the massive field behind the rugby pitches, to the left of the main arena complex, as you look at it. There is an entrance to the rugby pitches at the very end of the left hand car park.
It is possible to get to the area we practice on via a small bridge in far right hand corner (nearest the athletics stadium as you enter the rugby pitches).
You will need to wear the same clothing you would for rugby or soccer. We highly recommend footwear with studs/cleats or you will find it difficult (impossible if it's wet) to change direction at speed. Please also bring your own gumshield.
How to Find Us
The Raiders are based at the Bedford International Athletics Stadium, Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9SB
DIRECTIONS
By Car: Bedford lies 50 miles north of London. To the west and east are two main north/south roads, the M1 and A1.
Directions from the M1
Leave the M1 at Junction 13 and take the A421. Leave the A421 via the A6 sign-posted to Bedford. Continue straight ahead on the A6, over all the roundabouts, following the signs for the A418. Once on the A418 you will cross the River Ouse and should see the Pyramid shaped building on your right. At the next roundabout turn right into Barkers Lane & Bedford International Athletic Stadium is situated opposite the Fire station approximately a ¼ mile on the left.
Directions from the A1
Leave the A1 at the junction south of St Neots & take the A421 & then A428 to Bedford. When you reach the roundabout with MFI on the right continue straight over onto the dual carriageway. Upon reaching the next roundabout there is a pub on the left named "The Orchard", turn left and continue to the next one. Tesco will be on your right. From this roundabout continue over the next 2 until you reach a 3rd and turn left into Barkers Lane & Bedford International Athletic Stadium is situated approximately a ½ mile on your right.
Directions from Ampthill Road (A6):
Follow the A6 over the railway bridge, when you reach the roundabout go straight ahead (3rd exit). You will then pass a small retail park (Halfords etc.) and you will arrive at another roundabout. Follow the road straight ahead (2nd exit) you will be on the A418 which runs parallel to the river. You will then come to another roundabout (the cinema is on your right) where you turn right (2nd exit) into Barkers Lane, Bedford International Athletic Stadium is opposite the fire station approximately a ¼ mile on the left.