Belfast Bulls
The Belfast Bulls were an American football team based in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Overview
Coached by HC Buttermilk Thompson, the team was founded in 2002. The Belfast Bulls were formed late in 2002 by Chris Mitchell but in 2007 the team was led by the combined experience of Head Coach Rod Thompson, Defensive Coaches Mark Helferty and Marty McKeever, Offensive Coaches Paul Orr and John Savage.
Momentum was built as the Bulls won their first four matches and established the club as a legitimate future contender for the Shamrock Bowl title - the biggest prize in the IAFL. Although playing 8-a-side rules for the first season, it was clear that their talent and drive were a great base to improve on and achieve playing in the 11-a-side league.
The team's rookie season was 2004 where they progressed to the play-offs and were one game away from appearing in the Bowl. 2005 saw the Bulls step up another gear.
In 2008, after funding difficulties, the team was forced to fold.
2006
They competed well in 2006, despite losing some experienced players to various circumstances. They narrowly lost in the Shamrock Bowl final of 2005.
2006 Player Awards
- Most Valuable Player - Mike Calo
- Offensive Player Of The Year - Charlie Campalani
- Defensive Player Of The Year - Mark Helferty
- Rookie Of The Year - Tim Jebb, Connor Leckey
- Most Improved Player - Andy Black
Season-by-season records
| Season | W | L | T | Finish | Playoff results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IAFL | |||||
| 2004 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 3rd IAFL | Beaten Semi-Finalists |
| 2005 | 7 | 1 | 0 | IAFL League Champions | Beaten Shamrock Bowl Finalists |
| 2006 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6th IAFL | -- |
| 2007 | 4 | 3 | 1 | IAFL North Champions | Beaten Semi-Finalists |
| Totals | 19 | 12 | 1 | (2004–2007, excluding playoffs) | |
* = Current Standing
Coaching staff
Current Staff
- Head Coach - Rod Thompson
- Offensive Coordinator - Rod Thompson
- Defensive Coordinator - Chris Millar
- Offensive Line- Paul Orr
- Defensive Backs- Mike Scott
- Wide Receivers- Mark Helferty
Players
2006 Roster
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Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Receivers
Tight Ends
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Tackles
Guards
Centers
Defensive line
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Linebackers
Defensive backs
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2007 Roster
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Quarterbacks
Halfbacks
Fullbacks
Receivers
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Tight Ends
Offensive Line
Defensive line
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Linebackers
Defensive backs
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2008 Roster
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Quarterbacks
Halfbacks
Fullbacks
Receivers
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Tight Ends
Offensive Line
Defensive line
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Linebackers
Defensive backs
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