Northants Knights Academy will open the doors to new players on Sunday 10 January 2027, with our first taster session of the new year open to anyone aged 13–19 interested in trying American football.
Whether you already follow the NFL every weekend or have never picked up an American football before, this session is designed to give you the opportunity to experience the sport and find out what being part of the Knights is all about.
Taster Session Details
Date: Sunday 10 January 2027
Time: 10:30am–1:30pm
Venue: The Grange, Earls Barton, NN6 0HL
Surface: 3G
Ages: 13–19
Experience: None required
Players should arrive in suitable sports clothing and bring plenty of water. As the session will take place on our 3G pitch, appropriate 3G footwear is required.
Never played before? That's exactly what the session is for.
American football can sometimes look like a difficult sport to get into if you've never played before. You don't need to know the playbook, understand every rule or have any previous experience to come along.
Our coaching staff will take you through the fundamentals of the game, introduce you to different positions and give you the chance to take part in the type of drills our players work through during a normal Knights practice.
There is a position in American football for almost every type of athlete. Speed, size, strength, agility and coordination can all be valuable in different areas of the game.
You don't need to know where you fit yet. We'll help you find out.
Two programmes. One club.
The taster session is open to prospective players for both our U16 and U19 programmes, with our coaches able to place players into the appropriate age group.
For some, January will be the first step into American football. Others may already have experience and be looking for somewhere to continue their development.
Either way, everyone starts the session on the same footing: come ready to learn, compete and enjoy football.
More than football
The Knights have always wanted to build more than just successful teams.
We want our players to develop as athletes, but also to become part of an environment built around Effort, Attitude and Toughness.
You'll be coached, challenged and held to a standard. You'll also become part of a group of teammates and coaches who want to see you succeed.
Our U16 programme finished 2026 7th nationally and as the highest-ranked team in the Midlands, while our U19 programme heads into 2027 under newly appointed Head Coach Jamielee Eady.
Now we're looking for the next group of players who want to be part of what comes next.
Your first practice could be the start of something much bigger.
You don't need experience.
You don't need to own American football equipment.
You don't need to already know which position you want to play.
Just bring suitable training clothing, the correct footwear for a 3G surface, plenty of water and a willingness to give it a go.
Sunday 10 January 2027. 10:30am–1:30pm. The Grange.
If you've spent Sundays watching the NFL and wondered what it would be like to play the game yourself, this is your opportunity to find out.
New year. New sport. Become a Knight.