Try your hand at a different kind of football

Football might be in the headlines because of Abu Dhabi’s close ties with English champions Manchester City but it’s the American variety that’s in the spotlight in Abu Dhabi this weekend.

Try-outs for a new team in the capital, the Abu Dhabi Wildcats, take place on Friday. The newly formed team will go head-to-head with three other UAE sides, Al Ain Desert Foxes, Dubai Stallions and Sharjah Wolves, in the new season.

Fancy giving gridiron a go? Read on and find out just who does what, and which of the specialised positions would suit you best...

THE HOLLYWOOD ROLES

Quarterback: Everyone loves to be the centre of attention and there’s no better position for it than this one. It’s the quarterback’s job to set up plays, whether passing short, throwing long or going solo. Key skills: Hand-eye co-ordination is a must - and you’ll need a good mirror before the match to make sure you look your best.

Wide receivers: Think wingers in football. These are wide men in every sense of the word. As fast as lightning, it’s their job to take long balls from the quarterback and convert them into that ‘TOUCHDOWN’ moment.

Key skills: Running fast and the ability to catch are absolutely necessary. You, too, will need a mirror to look good for that magic moment. Access to YouTube and a good memory are also crucial so you can learn to do all those fab celebrations the Americans come up with.

Running backs: These guys line up behind the man himself, the quarterback, and specialise in short plays, running with the ball.

Key skills: Pace is important but you’ll also need eyes in the back of your head - or at least a wide field of vision. It’s a crowded area you’re playing

in and there are some big, nasty looking guys out there.

OPPOSITES ATTRACT

Glam is not always the main motivator in sport. Some people like physical contact. Luckily, there are plenty of roles like this in American football. Offensive line: These guys protect their Hollywood players and are responsible for taking out anyone who gets close to them.

Key skills: Think nightclub bouncer.

Defensive line: Three to six guys, depending on the situation, line up opposite the offensive line. These big boys have to take on and negate the offensive line.

Key skills: Nightclub bouncer again.

Linebackers and defensive backs: The guys trying to stop the quarterback, running backs and receivers.

Key skills: Think frustrated quarterbacks, running backs and receivers with a touch of nightclub bouncer thrown in.

Trials will be held at Zayed Sports City from 4.30pm. Pre-register at www.eafl.ae