A group of flag football players from Aberdeen have been named in the Scotland squad for a major tournament in Ireland this week.
The four, who all play for the Aberdeen Oilcats flag football team, have been chosen to play for their country against eight club teams from around the Republic of Ireland, with the two top teams going on to play for the top prize in what has been dubbed the Celtic Bowl.
The tournament will be held in Dublin on Saturday, October 10.
Flag football is a non-contact derivative of American football, also known as Grid Iron, where tackles are made by ripping a flag from a player’s belt, rather than with full contact.
Two of the group, defensive back Scott Forbes, 26, and centre Calum Young, 23, will play with the elite Scottish Chieftains, while Chieftains squad member Calum Stopani, 24, will play defensive back and wide receiver with developmental team, the Scottish Barbarians, to assist with offensive playmaking. Wide receiver/defensive back, Gary Elliot, 29, who is recovering from a broken collarbone, is eligible for either squad.
Gary, who is also player/coach with the Aberdeen Oilcats, said: “We are all really proud to be given the opportunity to represent our country in our chosen sport.
“While as a team the Oilcats were disappointed to miss out on this year’s Brit Bowl, even after a long season we are ready to head to Ireland and give it everything we’ve got.
“We are looking forward to teaming up with players who we have lined up against at club level throughout the year to show the Irish teams what we can do.”
The Aberdeen Oilcats were formed in 2003, the team train on Sunday afternoons at Seaton Park, Old Aberdeen and new players are always welcome.