Ilford teenager helps Great Britain to second place in American Football World Championships

A young woman from Ilford has helped the Great Britain American Football Team win second place at the World Championships.

 

In a memorable summer of high drama for women's sport, 18-year-old Angelina Fisher- Cameron joins the likes of England Lionesses' Leah Williamson and Chloe Kelly in becoming a shining example of what hard work, determination, and a never-say-die attitude can bring you.

 

Angelina lives in Ilford and attended school in the borough at St Peter and SS Peter & Paul's Catholic Primary School and Valentines High School.

 

Angelina was part of the Great Britain American Football Team, who recently travelled to Finland for the IFAF women's American football world championships. Despite entering the tournament as the sixth seed, Great Britain played their hearts out, overcoming tough competition on route to the final, where they locked horns with the USA.

 

Despite their best efforts, Angelina's team lost 42-14 against the USA, no mean feat when you consider American Football is their national game.

 

Angelina got into American Football at the tender age of six after being influenced by an uncle who played the sport. Angelina has remained firmly committed to the sport and now plays for London Warriors, based in Croydon.

 

Angelina's years of toil and hard work finally paid off when she was invited in 2021 to trial for the Great Britain Team at their training camps. She then received the news she had dreamed of in July when she was selected to represent Great Britain in the IFAF women's American football world championships.

 

Angelina said: "After all the build-up from attending training camps and committing to travel up and down the country, it was amazing to receive a call from the head coach informing me that I was a part of the travelling squad. Representing Great Britain in Finland only proves that hard work pays off; it's incredible to think that a young girl who played flag football as a child is now competing on the biggest stage in the world.

 

"The entire trip was phenomenal. Being the youngest on the team, I felt like I had 44 older sisters; they always had my back and taught me to hold my head high. I don't believe I will get that sisterhood again, and I'll always be thankful for the support. I'm really glad to have had such great coaching staff who have helped me improve my game."

 

Angelina offered some candid reflection on the final game. She said: "The final was the biggest game of our lives; I believe my team took the initiative to create a legacy and opportunities for me as the new generation. I'm extremely proud of our squad for going out there and demonstrating our superiority. We played our hearts out and left everything on the field. Although it was a difficult defeat, we always had each other's back. What this team's future holds is really exciting."

 

The Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, said: "What Angelina and her teammates achieved in Finland is inspiring, she really is a shining example of where hard work and determination can lead.

 

"In Redbridge we’ve invested heavily in world-class sporting facilities to nurture and grow talent like Angelina’s so local people across our borough can achieve their dreams.”