The Mayor of Dorchester put on some shoulder pads and mucked into a game of American Football.

Cllr David Taylor joined The Jurassic Coast Raptors for one of their training sessions in Dorchester.

The American Football Club recently moved to the town’s football ground and have launched a crowdfunder page to pay for a set of mobile goal posts.

Discussing the mayor’s visit, Bill Heinrich, Head Coach of the Jurassic Raptors, said: “He had a run about and caught some footballs. He wasn’t too keen on getting hit though, he is quite a little guy. I think he enjoyed himself and made some new friends. He has been massively supportive of the club.

“It has been amazing moving to Dorchester. It has given us a chance to play on one of the best facilities in the country and we’ve been able to increase the number of practices we hold.

“Our plan is to provide a full American Football experience for players and supporters.

“This year we changed our home to the recently resurfaced Avenue stadium in Dorchester after years of practices and games being disrupted by the weather, we are now in a position to make some long term plans for the success of the team and the development of the sport in the area, which will allow the venue to be used all year round.

“It is our intention to use the facility in the summer for kids American football events to begin to develop a long term following.

“The facilities do not, however, have the posts that we need to put on games and practise our kicking game. We are currently applying for grants to go towards the total cost of a set of mobile posts.

“In order to make this sustainable we intend to charge a small admission fee, the total cost of the posts including delivery and VAT is £3,200 and we are currently also applying for grants and other funding.

“It means we can play a full game rather than just parts of it and makes the survival of the team more likely in the future.”

The team has also received the backing of Dorchester Town Council and West Dorset District Council, who have provided them with grant funding.

The team is aimed at men aged 18 and over and currently has around 28 players. It serves the Jurassic Coast region across Dorset with players travelling as far as Seaton, Axminster, Yeovil, Blandford and Wareham to take part.

To support the fundraiser visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk and search Jurassic goalposts.

To find out more about the American Football team call Mr Heinrich on 07973436848.