After three successful mini-camps, Essex Spartans American Football club are looking forward to starting their pre-season campaign in the new year.

The Basildon-based club recommence their weekly sessions on the Gloucester Park Astroturf on Sunday, January 12 from 11-2pm.

Head coach Dean Gibson believes his side is looking better than it was at this stage last year as they look to improve on a season which saw them miss out on the play-offs altogether.

"We've had a good response and got some new people coming on board," he said. "Some of them have retired from the game but want to get back into it, and we have some rookies from as far afield as Harlow.

"I'm very happy with the progress we have made in the off-season and if we keep it up we can have a successful season."

Changes in the league structure should make it easier for both Spartans and their local rivals Southend Sabres -- who did reach the end-of-season play-offs.

This season the arrival of new teams from Maidstone and Kettering has seen the league reshaped into a south-eastern contest.

Published Monday, December 16, 2002

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