1989 NDMA Kitted
The 1989 season of the NDMA Youth Kitted League was held during the autumn, following directly after the traditional summer league had concluded. This unusual timing meant that many young players competed in two full seasons within the same calendar year, a testament to both their dedication and the growing appetite for youth American football in the UK.
The National Division Management Association (NDMA) was a newly formed body in 1988, operating under the wider umbrella of the Budweiser League. It was created to oversee the National Division—essentially the top tier of British American football—comprising the country’s 15 most elite clubs. Entry into this top flight was governed by strict criteria, including on-field performance, financial stability, stadium infrastructure, and notably, the requirement to field a fully kitted youth team.
The 1989 youth season reflected the ambition of this new structure. With two teams finishing the regular season unbeaten, emerging rivalries, and a championship game decided by a single safety, the year delivered a unique blend of high drama and high standards—further accelerating the momentum behind the UK’s expanding youth kitted football scene.
📊 League Standings
| Team | PYD | W | L | T | F | A | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leicester Panthers | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 192 | 36 | 1.000* |
| London Olympians | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 74 | 26 | 1.000* |
| Birmingham Bulls | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 82 | 37 | 0.667* |
| Fylde Falcons | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 64 | 168 | 0.333* |
| Northants Stormbringers | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 88 | 159 | 0.333 |
| Manchester Spartans | 6 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 64 | 83 | 0.333 |
| Manchester Allstars | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 37 | 92 | 0.000 |
Summary:
The Leicester Panthers steamrolled through the season with the league’s top offense and a stout defense, while the London Olympians remained unbeaten with a defense-first identity. Birmingham pushed both hard, while Fylde and Northants battled mid-table. The Allstars, despite spirited performances, ended the year winless.
🔥 Semi-Finals
In the semi-final round, the Olympians shut out the Birmingham Bulls with a commanding 30–0 win, relying on their physical defense and efficient execution. Meanwhile, Leicester continued their offensive onslaught, posting a massive 50–0 shutout of the Fylde Falcons.
Semi-Final Results:
- London Olympians 30–0 Birmingham Bulls
- Leicester Panthers 50–0 Fylde Falcons
🏆 NDMA Youth Kitted Bowl
Saffron Lane, Leicester
In an unexpected defensive showdown between two unbeaten powerhouses, the Leicester Panthers edged the London Olympians by a razor-thin 2–0 scoreline. It was a tightly fought battle defined by field position and discipline. The Panthers sealed the championship with a safety—the only points in the game—highlighting how even the smallest margins can decide titles.
Championship Final:
- Leicester Panthers 2–0 London Olympians
🧩 Final Notes
- Leicester capped a perfect season with a defensive gem in the final.
- The Olympians allowed just 2 points all season—but those were enough to deny them the title.