New women’s flag Head Coach

August 16th, 2019

Coach Alan Young has stepped away as Head Coach of the East Kilbride Women’s Flag team, to focus on the exciting challenge of a Master’s degree, in addition to his continuing role as GB Men’s Flag Head Coach.

Defensive Coordinator Andrew Gibson is stepping up to take over the head coaching role for the team with immediate effect.

Andrew first joined the Pirates coaching staff in 2017 as a defensive co-ordinator. In his first year in charge of the stop-unit, the Pirates boasted the stingiest defence in the Opal Series by points conceded per game as they marched towards their first playoff berth.

In 2018, with Andrew also taking on the role of assistant head coach, the Pirates claimed top seed in the North conference of the Opal Series with an undefeated record. In both 2017 and 2018, EKPW finished 5th in the nation.

Elsewhere, Andrew is the defensive co-ordinator of the GB Men’s Flag Football side, who will be taking part in the European Championships this month in Israel. He also plays and coaches for his BAFA Premier Division club side, the Glasgow Hornets, who are preparing for their fourth Britbowl finals in as many seasons.

The Hornets’ development team, the Killer Bees, were promoted this year to the Premier Division, and will compete for the Division One title – the Bees feature several Pirates Women’s flag players who have made vital contributions to their successes since 2017.

Cameron Shaw will take over the role of Defensive Coordinator for the women’s team, while Callum Bell will step up to take on the Offensive Coordinator duties. Nicky Farrell will support Andrew as Assistant Head Coach.

Club Chair Amanda McDonald said: “I’d like to thank Alan for his hard work and commitment to the team since he became involved in 2016 – firstly to coach both contact and flag, and then from 2017 when he concentrated on flag only with great success! I wish him well in his studies, and in leading the forthcoming GB Men’s campaign in Israel later this month. I’m very much looking forward to working with Andrew in his first head coaching role, and excited for the women’s flag season ahead.”

Andrew Commented: “I’m delighted to be taking the role of Head Coach of the East Kilbride Pirates Women’s Flag team. I know first-hand what a special and talented group of players we have and hope to build on the success we’ve had in these past two seasons. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank Alan for his hard work since arriving at the Pirates. He’s laid the foundations for us, and we absolutely wouldn’t be in this strong position without him. Thanks also to Amanda and the rest of the committee for continuing to support the Women’s flag programme! Finally, thanks to every player and coach who has contributed to the success of the team since its inception – we hope to make the club proud both on and off the field. I’m excited to get to work! The first taster session this coming week will be a great opportunity for any interested players to see why this is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK.”

Our women’s flag team is gearing up to start their pre-season with a taster session on Wednesday 21 August at Crownpoint Sports Complex in Glasgow. Ahead of this we’re pleased to announce the coaching staff for the 2019-2020 campaign in full!

Interested in joining the Pirates family? We’d love to hear from new or experienced players who’d like to get involved!  Email us at info@piratesfootball.co.uk

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