BAFA.org.uk McCusker and Cunnane join GB Lions staff

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Last Updated: Feb 29, 2023 - 8:25:49 PM

By National Programme - Media and Marketing
Feb 9, 2024 - 9:33:23 AM

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Stephen McCusker has boosted the Lions coaching staff by taking up the position of offensive line coach. This is to the obvious delight of the head coach Riq Ayub “The appointment of Stephen has potentially a huge impact on our programme, not only do we get a talented offensive line coach but we get a man who is prepared to share his NFLE experience in helping to improve our coaches”.

Coach McCusker will be tasked with putting together an offensive line to take on the might of Europe in the 2009 European Championships. His roll will also include bringing in a tempo and level of work ethic that will inspire coaches to push their limits.

Stephen McCusker played his domestic football for the Glasgow Diamonds and then the Glasgow Lions. He enjoyed a brief spell with the then World League (NFLE) before injury retired him from playing. The Scottish Claymores recruited McCusker as the National coach with responsibilities for the RB/TE position in 1999. Claymores head coach Jim Criner was so impressed with the young mans abilities that he gave him the job of special team’s coordinator. During his professional career Stephen also coached the O & D Line for Team Europe and was head coach of Scotland Youth. Currently Stephen McCusker is the Vice-President of the British American Football Coaches Association.

Jan. '92 to Sept. '99: Glasgow Lions Youth Head coach, OL coach
Sept. '00 to Dec. '05: Scotland Youth Head coach
Jan. '00 to Dec. '01: Glasgow Diamonds OL coach
Sep '99 to Oct '04: Team Europe OL, DL
Sep '99 to Oct '04: Scottish Claymores Special Teams Co-ordinator, RB/TE, National coach

===

Birmingham Bulls head coach Chris Cunnane will also be joining the Lions defensive staff.

Cunnane who has worked at college and senior level has done a remarkable job of laying the foundations at the Birmingham Bulls. He inspires both players and coaches with his positive attitude to the game and is one of the new generation of football coaches.

"Again we have gained another quality person for the programme he believes in our goals and wants to get in there and make a difference", Ayub said of his latest addition to what looks like an already formidable coaching staff.

History
2002 to Present: Birmingham Lions (BCAFL). Defensive Coordinator and Linebacker Coach
National Champions: 2005
Conference Champions: 2004, 2005, 2006
Defense Ranked No. 1: 2004

2002 to 2003: Northern All Stars (BCAFL) Linebackers Coach

2004 to Present: Birmingham Bulls (BAFL) Head Coach
Regular season record 25-4-1
Northern Conference Champions 2005
Ranked No.1 offensively and defensively in Division 1 2005

Coach McCusker and Cunnane will be joining the Lions coaches this weekend for the national workouts.

Players holding British passports, are given the opportunity to workout this Saturday the 10th of February at Forthbank stadium, Springkerse, Stirling in Scotland. Followed by, the Midlands workout at Moor Lane in Birmingham on Sunday the 11th of February.

Registration will be at 11.00am. Players will be asked for a registration fee of £5.00
The workout should be finished by 4.00pm.

Players are asked to bring full equipment and astro turf and grass shoes. Offensive players should wear white jerseys and defense black or dark colours.

Players will be put through individual and unit football drills followed by conditioning. The coaches will be looking for athletic ability and skill at all positions. Players’ work ethic, technique, desire and general fitness will determine the progression of each individual to the March camp.

Players who play within the college and universities league who cannot make the trials will be assessed in three ways:

Recommendations from their head coaches
BCAFL plays offs and final will be scouted with the permission of all concerned
By invitation from information we already hold

This dispensation is only afforded to BCAFL players. Players from BCAFL will also be able to register their interest by e-mail very soon.
The workouts have attracted fantastic interest and players are advised to turn up in plenty of time for registration. The admin team are working hard on a pre-registration process so please keep your eye on the media outlets.

For information in Scotland call Steve Collins on 07818415723

For information in Midlands call Chris Cunnane on 07967967840
How to get to Forthbank stadium, Springkerse, Stirling FK8 2ET (https://www.stirling.gov.uk/forthbank)

Leave the M80 at Junction 9 and take the A91 towards Alloa. At the 4th roundabout turn left and the ground is just down this road on the right. There is a large car park at the ground which is free

The stadium is around two miles away from Stirling station, so best jump in a taxi. Otherwise it is a 35-40 minute walk to it

How to get to the UCE Pavilion – Moor Lane, Birmingham. B6 7AA

By Road

From M6 South or North-West

Leave the M6 at Junction 7 and follow the A34 (Walsall Road) towards Perry Barr (Birmingham City Centre). After about 2 _ miles you will see the Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium on your left, filter left in the outer of the 2 inside filter lanes and this will take you round on to the Aldridge Road (A453). Follow the road in the direction that takes you away from the city centre you will see the University of Central England on your right. Continue along the A453, passing underneath the M6, until it becomes College Road. Moor Lane is not far along College Road on the right. Turn into Moor Lane and the entrance to the pavilion car park is about 100 yards on the right.

From M5 South-West

Leave the M5 at Junction 1 and travel towards Birmingham City Centre along the A41 for about _ mile before forking left along the A4040 (Outer Ring Road) towards Perry Barr. After about 2 _ miles you will arrive at the main Perry Barr traffic island. Turn left at the island and keep to the right hand lane. Go under the flyover onto the Aldridge Road (A453). Follow the road in the direction that takes you away from the city centre you will see the University of Central England on your right. Continue along the A453, passing underneath the M6, until it becomes College Road. Moor Lane is not far along College Road on the right. Turn into Moor Lane and the entrance to the pavilion car park is about 100 yards on the right.

By Train

Trains to Perry Barr Station leave from New Street Station where there is a regular train service to and from all parts of the country. Trains run every 30 minutes from the city centre.

By Bus from Birmingham

The 107 or 113X buses (which operate from Bull Street in the city centre and also can be caught from the One Stop Shopping Centre next to Perry Barr Rail Station. The Buses stop along the adjacent College Road directly opposite Moor Lane. On a Sunday the buses run every 30 minutes starting at 9.47am from the city centre.

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