Club History

The University of Bath Killer Bees are current members of the British Universities American Football League (BUAFL)'s Conference 3 South Division. Over the years Bath have had a tradition of fielding solid teams throughout its history, though the team has yet to find success in the playoffs, with only two wins in nine playoff games.

The Killer Bees were formed in 1992 after a group of hardcore football fans started to spend their Sunday afternoons practicing informally on the university grounds. A group of students led by Steve Bamford, Pete Davies and Andy McKay proposed the formation of an official club to the Bath University Athletic Union; and within 6 months of the initial proposal, the Bees began League play in 1992-93. Shortly before the start of the season, the Bees drafted in Pat Snooks, at the time offensive coordinator of the Bath Gladiators, to take over head coach duties from Pete Davies. Snooks has maintained this role through to the present day.

The first ever Bees match took place on November 1st 1992 at Bath where the visitors were the reigning champion Southampton Stags. Despite being thoroughly beaten on the day (losing 70-0), the spirit shown by the players of the Bees on that day set the tone for the team spirit that continues to this day.

In 2006/07, the Killer Bees were rebranded under the University of Bath sports colour scheme of royal blue and gold, leaving behind the black and yellow which the club had played in since its formation in 1992. Despite no longer being the colour of 'Killer Bees' the club has kept its name, inspired by the team's colours and sponsor at the time of formation.

The 2007-08 season saw the Killer Bees post their first unbeaten regular season and in the 2008-09 season they won the inaugural BUAFL Challenge Trophy competition.

The club has received the University of Bath's "Club of the Year" twice, firstly in 1996/97 and secondly in 2006/07. This is an impressive achievement, as Bath has one of the Highest reputations for Sports clubs in the Country. With 49 University clubs, which include not only the more mainstream sports such as Football, Rugby and Tennis, but also sports that include Olympic, World and Commonwealth Champions, it is almost unbelievable that in only 15 years a "minor" sport such as American Football has twice become the University Focus. The Club put this down to their unique family atmosphere, passionate coaches, and strict no cut policy.