LEAGUE American Football could be returning to Southend if plans to bring back the Sabres come to fruition.

The Southend Sabres were founded in 1983 but folded in 2004 due to a lack of players.

But renewed interest in American Football has prompted some of the Sabres old guard to resurrect the club as the Essex Sabres.

And they will be holding a recruitment day on Sunday, August 30 to get the club up and running again.

“We are planning to join the BAFA National League Division Two next summer and have to apply to the league by December,” said James Dawson, who is one of those relaunching the club.

“The whole thing hinges on our recruitment day because if no-one comes along then the club will not get off the ground.

“But as the sport has grown in popularity, we think it’s the right time to start the club back up.”

The recruitment day will start at 11am on Sunday at Southend Saxons Rugby Club, at Warners Bridge Park, Sumpters Way, Southend.

Anyone aged 19 or above is welcome to try out for the squad, regardless of previous experience. Those attending are asked to bring suitable footwear for playing on grass.

For more information on the day, contact coach Lee Joseph on 07772 446468, go to the new club’s Facebook page or Twitter page at @ESabres.

Dawson puts the upturn in interest in American Football on the National Football League (NFL) playing competitive games in this country.

“The sport was in decline in the UK between 2002 and 2004 and although they would have showpiece NFL games at Wembley, it was not until they started playing competitive matches that it sparked off interest again,” added Dawson.

“They have three matches a year at Wembley now and the sport is really popular again, with around 90 university teams which feed the senior league teams.”

If the Sabres are successful in launching for the 2016 season, they will join Billericay-based Essex Spartans and the Colchester Gladiators as the county’s league clubs.