Fife 49ers

History of the Fife 49ers

How it all started...

Summer 1985 was probably the birth of the team. It really began with a group of enthusiasts getting together on a Sunday for a kick around. No kit, no idea….. lots of energy. Most of the lads came from the Methil/Leven area with a sprinkling from Cupar and Kirkcaldy. There was no formal training or organisation within the team so we decided after a few months to get the lads together off the field and put the idea of officially forming the team to them. We managed to get enough bodies to start a committee and were off and running…. No where to run to though.

Early in 86 a few of us travelled to Milton Keynes to try and gain the team entry to the BAFL league. We had been forced at that point to change our name from Falcons to avoid clashing with Fylde team. Bob Wilson was now coach with the team (more of Bob later) and between us we had put together a good portfolio to present to the League. The 49ers along with Dundee Whalers were now plying for only one place within the system. We had a meeting with the Dundee guys prior to our final interviews with BAFL and agreed that they would have to take both teams - or none. It was a bit risky! We were offered the place over Dundee but we sat and explained our situation in an attempt to persuade the officials to allow entry to both. We refused the offer as laid on the table and left.

Dundee did the same. The Thistle League was formed… right in BAFL’s office. Bob Wilson was extremely pleased with the way we handled ourselves and this cemented our relationship with him as our coach. And that's how the 49ers got started!

Thanks to Kutch, more from him in part 2, stay tuned!

1987
17th October, Fife traveled to Ohio with a score line Perry Pirates 34-8 Fife 49ers.

1988
In 1988 it was the Pirates turn to visit Fife, playing at the Warout Stadium in Glenrothes, resulting in another win for the Ohio squad - Perry Pirates 40-14 Fife 49ers. Perry borrowed Dundee Whaler's kit for the occasion!

1990
13th May 1990 - Andy Meikle returned the kickoff 86yards to win the first ever overtime game in Britball vs Dundee Whalers.

1994
For the 1994 season, the 49ers imported Quarterback Todd Shackleford, a pro football player in the CFL, where he played for the Toronto Argonauts. Shackleford helped lead the team to a perfect season 10-0. However, he had to return home before the team were due to take part in Capital Bowl IX. Andy Meikle stepped in at QB as the Fife 49ers beat the Edinburgh Eagles at Meadowbank Stadium 36-0.

Dek Gallacher sets a British Gridiron record with a 98 yard touchdown run, as they beat Dundee Whalers 44-12

1995
Fife join the break away Scottish Gridiron Association.

If you have any information to help fill in the blanks, please drop me an email