Southern Sundevils

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The Southern Sundevils were an American football team from Portsmouth, England. They played in BAFL Division One, the second tier of national competition, and used the ROKO Leisure Centre as their home ground until 2008. The club existed from 1987 to 2008, with Russell Hewitt as head coach and Mike Shaw as general manager.

History

- The club began in 1987 as the Eastleigh Royals, formed by 20 young enthusiasts, competing in youth two‑touch football.
- In 1990 they won the Southern Conference with an 8–0 record but lost in the playoff quarterfinals.
- In 1991 the team became the Eastleigh Devils, and in 1993 they changed their name to the Southern Sundevils.
- A senior team started in 1995 in the British Senior League, beginning in Division Three and climbing through the ranks over the years.
- They won the Division Two title in 1998 to move up to Division One, and claimed another divisional title in 2004, earning promotion to BAFL Division One.
- The Sundevils faced ups and downs in the top divisions, including playoff appearances and a difficult 2007 season in the Premier Division, which led to relegation to Division One South.
- The club folded in 2008. Many former Sundevils went on to coach or play at national, professional, or semi‑professional levels.

Uniforms: The team had home and away kits, though details aren’t provided here.