Got something you want to know about the Cats? Check out our frequently asked questions below.
~ If you have a question that’s not on the list, or you need more information, please send us a message using the Contact Us page. ~
Who are the Cambridgeshire Cats?
~ The Cambridgeshire Cats are a British American Football team based in Cambridge, UK. Originally founded in 1984, the Cats currently compete in the British American Football Association, Premiership South Division. ~
Where is the Cats’ home ground?
~ The Cambridgeshire Cats are based at Shelford Rugby Club, Great Shelford, Cambridge.
There is plenty of free parking adjacent to our pitch, bring your deckchair and enjoy and afternoon of football. Toilets, along with food and drink, are a short stroll away. ~
I don’t have any kit, but still want to join the Cats.
~ If you don’t have your own protective kit, we can loan some out to you for the training session. You will need to return this at the end of each session.
With a limited amount available, if you wish to borrow kit, you will need to be at training for 10am sharp for the kit to be signed out to you, its first come first served. ~
What do I need to bring to training sessions?
~ As our training sessions are quite intensive, you will need to make sure you bring:
- plenty of water to keep hydrated
- some suitable sportswear such as shorts or tracksuit bottoms, and T-shirt or compression outerwear
- a gum shield
- non-metal studded shoes/football boots
- Plenty of enthusiasm ~
Do I need any experience to join the Cats?
~ No. No experience is necessary to join the Cats. We accept players of all levels of experience from complete novice to seasoned players. If you don’t wish to play the game but still wish to get involved, we have backroom and sideline roles available. ~
Does it cost anything to play for the Cats?
~ Yes, there is an annual subscription fee to be paid once you have decided to join the Cats. This is normal with all British American Football teams and you will be advised on the total amount at the start of the season, or when you join. Fees are payable either in one payment or by monthly standing order.
There is also a fee payable to BAFA (The British American Football Association), for the 2026 season this is £60 for players and £70 for coaches. You must be registered as a player or coach to be eligible to play/coach in American football games.
Should you wish to buy your own kit, there will be the cost of your own helmet, shoulder pads, lower pads and game pants and socks, all of which can be purchased from retailers such as Football America. The game shirt is provided to you on each game day. ~
Helmets: ~
Football America – https://www.footballamerica.co.uk/en/302-helmets
EPSports – https://www.epsports.co.uk/helmets/helmets-by-brand/riddell.html
Shoulder Pads:
Football America – https://www.footballamerica.co.uk/en/303-shoulder-pads
EPSports – https://www.epsports.co.uk/shoulder-pads.html
Red Lowers:
EPSports – https://www.epsports.co.uk/rawlings-high-performance-pants.html?___store=english
Amazon – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00HYDFVDM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1&psc=1
If you have a Prime account it is normally cheaper to order the lowers from Amazon. ~
How old do you need to be to play for the Cats?
~ You need to be at least 18 years of age to play for the senior team. There is no upper age limit.
We have a junior team available for players aged 16-19 year old. ~
Are females allowed to play for the Cats?
~ Yes, of course. Female players are more than welcome to join and play for the team. ~
How will I know what position I will be playing?
~ You are free to choose what position you would like to play within the team. If you do not know what position is best for you, our coaches are more than happy to assess your skills and suggest the most suitable position for you. ~
I would like to get involved with the Cats, but not as a player. What can I do?
~ We have a number of backroom roles available including:
– Sideline crew
– Team photographer
– Video operator
– Physio
– Administration
If you would like to get involved in any of these roles or would like to find out what other roles are currently available, please send us a message using the Contact Us page. ~