United on the Field – AS1 (T) Elliot Knight’s Story

Step into the world of RAF American Football with AS1 (T) Elliott Knight as he shares his journey through the sport, from his very first training session to representing Great Britain. Drawn to the teamwork, challenge and strong friendships the sport offers, Elliott ventured onto the field looking for something new. It didn’t take long for him to realise he had found something quite special. Now an international athlete, he provides an insight into the game, the differences between flag and contact football, and what keeps him coming back to the field. Here’s what Elliot had to say:

“American football is essentially offence versus defence. The offence has the ball and tries to move it down the field to score, while the defence tries to stop them. In contact football, there are 11 players from each team on the field. I play wide receiver (WR), so my main job is to run routes, get open and catch passes from the quarterback.

I had always wanted to play American football at university, but unfortunately COVID meant that all university sports were cancelled. When I joined the RAF, I discovered there was an American football team during my Phase 2 training, giving me the opportunity to finally get involved in the sport. Once I finished my training, I went along to a Mustangs training camp. At the end of the camp, we played a game where I scored my first touchdown. I immediately caught the American football bug and haven’t looked back since!

From there, I started playing for club teams, continuing to develop through training and competition. As I improved, I had the opportunity to play in the Premier Division for Nottingham Caesars before eventually representing Great Britain in Paris. At higher levels, there is a scouting and selection process, with players identified through their performances, competitions and trials. For me, the journey has been about progressing step by step, learning the game and taking every opportunity to improve.

Flag football is 5 vs 5 and there is no contact. Instead of tackling, a defender stops the ball carrier by pulling a flag from their waist. The game is fast-paced and relies heavily on speed, agility, quick reactions and the ability to create space. Contact football is 11 vs 11 and involves tackling, with much more physical contact. While it requires many of the same skills, it also demands greater strength and physicality, as well as an understanding of different positions and responsibilities. For me, playing contact football first gave me a strong foundation, while flag football has helped develop my speed, movement and ability to find space.

I wanted to find a sport that had a genuine team-first mentality, where you rely on the person next to you and they rely on you just as much. I was looking for something that would challenge me, build strong friendships, and, above all, be fun. From my very first session, I knew I’d found exactly that. Building my confidence and believing in my own potential has always been something I’ve worked hard to improve. One of the main reasons I joined the military was to push myself outside my comfort zone, broaden my horizons, and learn how to overcome difficult challenges.

Mastering this sport has been one of the steepest challenges I’ve ever faced, but it’s a journey I’ve enjoyed every step of the way. Through hard work, consistency and the support of those around me, I had the opportunity to trial for the national team in both flag and contact football. This year, I had the privilege of representing Great Britain against Finland, earning my first international cap. It was a proud milestone and a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment I have put into the sport. Beyond the opportunity to represent my country, the experience was made even more special by the team atmosphere. The squad came together with a shared goal, building strong bonds, pushing each other throughout the preparation and working hard as one unit. It was a fantastic experience and one I am incredibly proud to have been part of.

If you are thinking about getting involved, all I can say is go for it! You won’t regret it.

One of the greatest things about American football is that it’s genuinely for everyone. No matter your size, shape, age or athletic ability, there’s a position where you can make a meaningful contribution to the team. Every role matters, there is a place for everyone on the field. The atmosphere, positivity and sense of community within the sport are unlike anything else I’ve experienced, and it’s one of the reasons I enjoy being part of it so much. All the coaching staff have been incredible, but Coach Steve Brown has been a huge part of my journey from day one.

He’s always been generous with his time, constantly helping me develop and encouraging me to become the best player I can be. His belief in me, along with his knowledge and guidance, has played a massive role in my progress. I’m incredibly grateful to have him not only as a coach, but also as a mentor and a friend. Being part of such a diverse team has given me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, each bringing their own experiences, personalities and strengths. I’ve made some fantastic friendships through the sport, and it’s taught me just how important trust, communication and teamwork really are.

The RAF Central Fund has had a huge impact on my journey in sport. Thanks to their Individual Sports grant programme, I’ve been able to purchase the equipment and kit I need for both training and matches, without having to worry about the financial cost. That support has allowed me to fully focus on developing as a player and make the most of every opportunity. I’m incredibly grateful for the investment in both me and the sport, which has made a real difference to my progress.”

If you’ve ever fancied trying RAF American Football, Flag football is a great place to start. Give it a go, meet the team and see where it takes you. Follow @rafamericanfootball on Instagram and drop them a message to find out more.