Steph Wyant | Elite Sponsorship Fund
CSSC member, and trained Architect Steph Wyant, has a less than conventional sport in which she excels. We caught up with Steph, to find out how more women and girls could follow in her footsteps.
How did you get into American Football?
I suppose it was a bit of fate that I fell into American Football. When I started university, I knew I wanted to join a sports team, however for my first year I was living at home and commuting to my lectures. At fresher’s fayre, I got information from each sports team stall, assuming I would probably join hockey, as I had played before.
It turned out the sport that worked best around my timetable was American Football! I remember the girls on the stall were super friendly and told me I didn’t need any experience, so I went to the taster session. I was instantly taken in by the supportive and empowering community spirit of the team and the challenge of learning a new sport, which was totally different from anything I had done before.
Photo by Geoff White: gw-images.com
How long have you been playing?
Coming up on 10 years! When I first started, women’s league teams were smaller, and we played a 5 vs 5 format. It’s been great to see the growth of the sport and this year my local team, Solent Thrashers, will be entering a team in the 9-a-side league.
Currently the only way for women to play the full 11-a-side format is at GB level or to play for a senior or BUCs (university) team. Whilst these teams are technically co-ed, they are mainly made up of male players and it can be intimidating or off-putting to play a full contact sport against men. The dream would be that the women’s league can offer the full 11-a-side format to remove barriers to participation, with smaller formats available as an entry level.
What motivates you to keep training so hard?
Working hard for my teammates. A team can only function if every person is fulfilling their role. If one link in the chain falters, we won’t achieve our objective.
The bond you form with American Football teammates is so unique and special. We all put our bodies on the line for each other and the trust and connection you build in your unit is unrivalled.
What do you like most about American Football?
The inclusivity and diversity of the women who play! There’s a position for all types of women of all different skills and body types. You need fast agile people at skill positions, you need strong explosive players in the trenches, and you need fast thinking, analytical leaders at quarterback. Everyone can use their unique superpower to contribute to the team.
I also love how tactical the game is. Each attacking play, or ‘offensive play’ as they call it, is a highly choreographed and rehearsed script. With adjustments and wrinkles made mid-play, depending on what the defence show. You can study a team’s tendencies and weaknesses and you can outsmart a team, as well as overpower them physically. If you really study the sport, there are so many layers to understand.
You’re a running back. Can you briefly explain what that involves in an American Football team?
Running back is the best position in American Football (not that I am biased)! Running backs play on offence (attack) and you will usually find us in the backfield next to the quarterback. The quarterback is often the team’s most critical player who receives the ball (snap) from the centre on the offensive line. She can then throw the ball, hand it off to a running back or run it herself.
Once handed the ball, running backs follow blockers and weave between the opposition to gain as many yards as possible before being tackled by defence. We also might run routes and catch the ball or help the offensive line to protect the quarterback.
The offence has 4 attempts (downs) to achieve 10 yards of forward progress, they then gain another set of 4 downs. We move the ball down the field until we reach the endzone and (hopefully) score a touchdown.
Would you recommend jumping straight into American Football or is there another route people might try first like a touch or walking version, or rugby?
Most women who join the sport have no prior knowledge or experience of the game. The community is extremely welcoming, and coaches will make sure you understand the basics of the game and how to participate safely, first and foremost.
There is a non-contact, flag format of the game, which excitingly has recently been confirmed to be included in the 2028 Olympics. This 5 vs 5 version of the sport is fast paced and accessible, as you do not need all the protective gear we use for full contact tackle football. It’s a really good introduction to the concepts, strategy and footwork you will use in the full tackle game.
You’re a successful Architect and Athlete. How do you balance such conflicting passions?
The nature of being amateur athletes means all players on my team are juggling work or studying with GB commitments.
Last year for example I was studying for my Part 3 qualification which is the final coursework and exams to become an architect, alongside this I was working full time and preparing for and competing in the European Championships. It required a lot of planning ahead and being strict with my time management. It helps having an understanding employer who allows me to work flexibly around my GB training. Also, my partner, friends and family are very supportive, patient and understanding if I have to change plans around my training and games.
It’s international women’s day today – Which female most inspires you (famous or personal)
It’s so hard to pick just one! I’m currently reading Alex Scott’s autobiography (Arsenal and England WSL right back). I think her resilience in the face of adversity and setbacks is truly admirable. She is so humble, but athletes like her paved the way for women’s’ sports as we know them today.
Do you have any advice for women looking to give it a go?
I would say, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and give it a go! I’m so glad that I took a chance all those years ago. Joining American Football has brought me so many opportunities to travel and play abroad, represent my country, meet women from many different backgrounds and make lifelong friends. You have nothing to lose, and it might be the best decision you ever make!
Consistency is key. I will be the first to admit, I wasn’t a natural when I first started, but I continue to work hard to constantly improve. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard!
If you are interested, you can follow the link below to find your local club:
Tell us a bit more about your upcoming fixtures and competitions?
So, the GB women’s team are currently halfway through the European Championships, which is being played across two years, with one home and one away game each year. We are currently 1-1 after beating Sweden 40-0 at home and narrowly losing to Germany 26-27 away.
Our next game is against the undefeated Spanish side away in April. We’ll then play Finland, the reigning European Champions, at home in August to conclude the tournament.
What’s your proudest moments in American Football so far?
Definitely playing at home against Sweden last year. This game was my first opportunity to get on the field on offence. I scored two touchdowns and was awarded MVP (Most Valuable Player)!
To achieve a dream that I had worked so hard for, in front of all my friends and family in the crowd was honestly the best experience! I still get goosebumps thinking about it.
How did you first hear about CSSC?
I recently joined the Civil Service and a friend recommended I check out CSSC and make the most of the great member benefits.
What CSSC benefits do you use the most?
I like looking at the local sports events, to see what’s going on in my area.
How has CSSC’s funding helped you?
I cannot thank CSSC enough for the financial support I’ve received. While we’re slightly subsidised by our governing body, the majority of the costs fall to players to cover. With monthly training camps, travel and equipment, the costs add up. The support from CSSC means I can focus on preparing for the championships and performing my best.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
I would love to make the move to coaching and help inspire the next generation of ballers. I want as many women as possible to experience the sport which has given me so much.
What advice would you give to your 10-year-old self?
Growing up it was difficult to see female role models in sport, I would have told myself to stick with sport and not be discouraged by this.
Quick fire round
- Beach or snow holiday? Snow!
- Live in the city or country? Countryside and dog walks!
- Sweet or savoury? Sweet. Chocolate is my kryptonite!
- Movies, music or books? Music
- What superpower would you most like? Teleportation, I hate traveling!
Find out more
If you’d like to find out more about International Women’s Day you can visit their website here. And if you were interested in learning more about the women’s contact game in British American Football, there’s loads to learn here.
Good luck to Steph and her teammates as they take on Spain and Finland. We’ll keep you updated with their progress and successes, over the coming months.
If you would like some help with your sporting ambitions, we not only offer funding across a broad range of options but can also use our communities and connections across the world of sport and the public sector to share advice and opportunities to get involved.
