Watching, and playing, American Football in the UK began to really gain fans in the early 1980s and the scene is more popular now than ever.
Several NFL (National Football League) teams visit these shores each year, most recently the Cleveland Browns, a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division.
The Cleveland Browns – and mascot Brownie the Elf – were here earlier this month, playing against the Minnesota Vikings at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Although the Cleveland Browns might not have had the result they wanted on the gridiron, they won in other ways.
In conjunction with the British Bulldawgs Browns Backers – made up of dedicated fans of the team – and organised by Michele Turner-Everett, a volunteer in London for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, the Cleveland Browns paid for goodie bags for children living in SSAFA’s Stepping Stone Home and the children of serving personnel. They also provided pamper boxes for the mothers and women at Stepping Stone Home.
Volunteers from SSAFA and the Cleveland Browns and British Bulldawgs, worked for hours the day before the match packing the bags and pamper boxes in a room provided free courtesy of the Claremont Hotel in London. Volunteers and former Cleveland Browns player, Gary Barnidge, signed their names to let the children know who the bags were from.
Speaking later, Michele said:
“Each year the British Bulldawgs choose a charity to help and fundraise for and this year SSAFA was the lucky one, I can’t thank Kelly and Mo enough for their kindness and time in making this event happen. Children of our serving personnel will have a very special Christmas this year thanks to their generosity. It has been a very special day spending time with these very special people.
“The mums and children won’t be able to say thanks in person, but we were able to because we know just how much all the gifts so, so generously provided, will be received.”
Mo Williams, a member of the British Bulldawgs Browns Backers committee, added:
“The British Bulldawgs Browns Backers were delighted to be involved in such a fun event supporting such a worthwhile cause. We were so grateful for our 50 club members who volunteered to give up their time to help, as well as the Cleveland Browns Foundation for making this possible. This really was a case of ‘The Browns Give Back’.”
SSAFA has been providing support to the whole Armed Forces community since 1885. To volunteer, donate, or access help from it, search for “SSAFA near me”.
