How did you first get involved with American Football and the Edinburgh Napier Knights?
"I started playing the sport immediately after joining Edinburgh Napier in 2013. Coming from a swimming and rugby background, I had never played the sport before university. I vaguely knew Napier had a team, but it wasn't something I'd considered until a player approached me at Freshers' Fair during my first week and encouraged me to give it a try.
"That simple conversation changed everything."
What impact did being part of the Knights have on your student experience?
"American football quickly became a huge part of my university life. I played for all four years, served on the committee for three years and was elected president of the club in my final year.
"Clubs and societies play a vital role in helping students find their place. During my studies, I faced some family challenges and seriously considered leaving university altogether. My teammates encouraged me to stay and supported me through that difficult period.
"Even now, many of the most important people in my life are connected to the Knights. My groomsmen were former teammates, as is my brother-in-law, and it was ultimately through those connections that I met my wife. Looking back, joining the team genuinely changed the course of my life."
How did you become involved in coaching the youth programme?
"The youth programme was launched towards the end of my fourth year. I was president at the time and discussions were taking place surrounding how the club could support the local community. Funding secured through the National Lottery helped launch the youth team in 2017, and we officially joined the league as a fully-fledged team for the 2018-19 season. I began as a general coach and took over the running as we began competing.
"On day one we had five players and four coaches – it was almost a 1:1 ratio! Today, we have more than 100 players across the different age groups, a large coaching staff, and dedicated game-day operations."
What does your role as head coach of the youth team involve?
"I oversee the youth programme while also coaching the under-19s team. There is a huge amount of work involved, such as planning training sessions, managing equipment, applying for funding, recruiting players, creating social media content, organising fixtures and supporting coaches.
"None of it would be possible without the wider coaching and volunteer team – the majority of whom are ENU students and alumni. We have an incredibly dedicated group of people who give their time because they genuinely care about helping young people."
Volunteering at this level requires a huge commitment. What keeps you motivated?
"The people. I have an incredible team of volunteers around me, and none of this would happen without them. But my biggest motivation goes far beyond the sport itself. Watching young players grow in confidence, find direction and move on to higher education, apprenticeships and employment is one of the most rewarding aspects of coaching.
"Napier’s American Football programme is over 20 years old, with the youth team celebrating its 10th birthday next year. The club is a genuine community. We regularly see siblings and even entire families become involved. Some of our original players are now bringing younger family members along, while former coaches are returning with their own children. A player from the original cohort is now a university student elsewhere and has returned to the club as a coach.
"It's become much bigger than a sports team."
What has been your proudest moment as a coach?
"Reaching the
national ‘Britbowl’ final in 2025 with the under 19’s, following an undefeated regular season was a huge highlight. Even though we lost, standing toe-to-toe with the best team in the country was really inspiring.
"The community came together to make this happen. We had to raise thousands of pounds to compete in the final in Coventry and families, friends, employers and supporters all contributed. Seeing over 50 people travel from Scotland to support the team showed just how much the club means to people. The result was important, but the community spirit behind it was what made the experience so special."
Away from American Football what is your day job?
"I’m an Associate Solicitor at Kennedy’s Scotland working in the liability division covering primarily civil litigation. My work covers areas such as fraud, personal injury, employer liability, public liability and insurance-related cases. Interestingly, my route into law wasn’t straightforward. After
graduating in 2017, I wasn’t convinced I wanted to become a solicitor and spent time working in recruitment and finance before taking a paralegal role. It was only after working in a law firm that I realised it was the career for me, so I completed my Diploma in Legal Practice and eventually qualified as a solicitor."
What advice would you give to current students?
"Get involved in something. For me, joining the Knights shaped my university experience and ultimately changed the course of my life. Whether it's a sports club, society or another activity, the people you meet and the experiences you gain can have a lasting impact. You never know where those connections will lead."