Swelling The Pride
I recently attended the GB Lions trials in Sheffield, not (as you may think) because the team are looking for a “veteran” tight end, with elite level measurables, but to check-in with the Lions head coach, Mike Callan. Following their success in the group B European Championship qualifying games last October, where they convincingly despatched Russia and then Czechia, coach Callan has started the preparation for October’s road trip to play an eliminator against Sweden.
Before the players took to the field they were briefed as to structure of the day, they were also left with no doubt, that they were being assessed from the moment they arrived. Playing for the GB Lions is a serious business, take a rep off at your peril, the coaches have no time or inclination to accommodate passengers. There were a total of sixty-five trialists distributed amongst the various playing positions, all had made it through a pre-vetting, submitting highlight reels for consideration, before getting an invite to attend.
Coach Callan cuts a busy figure, transitioning between the groups, giving instruction and adding value with his assistant coaches. He takes mental notes, ready for the group analysis that the coaches will undertake, to choose those who are worthy of being added to the established GB squad who will be gathering the following weekend. He likes to have a working pool of seventy-five players on the programme, but only 45 will suit up for a game, ensuring that even if they have made the squad, there is still intense competition to make the game day roster.
A native of Connecticut, Callan first coached at his Alma Matta, Xavier College. He came over to the UK to study for a masters degree and became involved with the Greenwich Mariners as their head coach, and subsequently with the London Blitz, leading them to great success as their offensive co-ordinator. He was offered the Lions HC role and chose to accept the challenge, now he exclusively focuses all his efforts into developing the team, and guiding them to the European Championship finals to be held in 2018.
For the majority of the players this was their first taste of the GB Lions programme, but for others like quarterback Brad Thompson, it was a chance to re-establish themselves. Having started for the team in 2013, he was left out in 2015, and is working hard to regain his place amongst the elite British players. “You have to come back stronger, when you get a setback” said Thompson, and he certainly did, putting up a good enough showing on the day, to be one of the twenty eight players selected to join with the established group the following weekend.
October may seem like a long way off, but Callan is meticulous in his preparation and will leave no stone unturned in his efforts to bring success to the programme. When the Lions take to the field against Sweden on October 14, we can rest assured that he and his support staff, will have the team ready to do us all proud, by getting the win, and qualifying for the finals.
