Valley Gridiron Spartans
The Valley GRIDIRON Spartans are a Minor League American football team. They are a member of American Football Wellington (AFW). In 2006, the Spartans won the Capital Bowl, American Football Wellington’s ultimate prize in their second full year in the competition. They play home games at Heretaunga College in Upper Hutt, New Zealand.
Team History
- 2002 Hutt Valleys former team the Chargers fold.
- 2003/2004 Formed as the Hutt Valley Spartans team attempts to get off the ground with minimal resources. Folds after two games.
- 2004/2005 Spartans in operation for their first full year. An uninspiring season yields only three wins but bloods some key rookies. The Spartans introduce the Single-wing formation to Wellington with mixed results.
- 2005/2006 The AFW moves to 7 man football in an effort to increase to teach more the basic football concepts to the league. The Spartans take advantage of the changes and lose just one game on their way to win the Capital Bowl.
- 2006/2007 The Spartans lose in Semi final
- 2007/2008 Currently in preseason training
Current Staff
- Coach – Jesse Richards
- Coach – Michael Wilson
Youth Development
The Spartans are part of Valley Gridiron and players help coach three High School teams.
- Trentham Stallions
- Hutt City Saxons
These teams are coached by current and former Spartans players.
Fans
The Touch Down Club (TDC) is the official booster club of the Valley Gridiron Spartans.