Essex Spartans are warming up for the new American Football season - and they are still recruiting for more people to get involved with the Basildon-based club.

They are holding an open day on Sunday at their Gloucester Park home, where anybody interested can come along and meet the team.

The event, which ties in with a training session opposite the astroturf in Gloucester Park North, starts at 11am.

Player recruitment has been going well, with a 40-strong roster assembling for the first training sessions for the new season. But more players are always welcome, as are match-day helpers.

"The whole idea this season is to get to the top of our division," said head coach Dean Gibson.

"Our preparations are going well and the guys are coming back raring to go."

Gibson heads a six-strong coaching team, backed up by Brad Stevenson, Carlos Barr, Brendan Bride, Dave Thomas and Chris Shawyer as the club prepares for its derby-day opener at home to Southend Sabres on April 4.

Published Friday January 30, 2004

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