JURASSIC Coast Raptors, from Dorchester, have completed their associate trial period and are now part of the British American Football League.

It means that the club will play a full set of league fixtures in 2016 in the South West Conference.

It has taken years of hard work by club volunteers to get to this point.

Head coach Bill Heinrich said: “It has also taken the contribution from several key organisations including most importantly Dorchester Rugby Club."

The county town club, who are based at Coburg Road, has not only given us somewhere to train and play, it has also given the club somewhere to store their equipment.

Heinrich added: “Dorchester Round Table gave us a much-needed cash injection to get equipment to start the team off.

"American football is a game where you have to be physically ready to play. Thanks to Daniel Milverton of Future Physiques in the Weymouth the players have conditioning programs to get in shape.

“We do have ambitions of launching a junior American Football programme and becoming further a key part of the Jurassic Coast community. The focus for 2016 will be preparing to play in the South West Conference.”

The Raptors will have to play teams from Oxford, Swindon, Bristol, Newquay and Torbay.

And with the NFL play-offs underway the Raptors will be hosting their own Superbowl party.

This year will be the 50th Superbowl and the Raptors will be releasing details soon how the local community can join the team.

The Raptors would welcome any organisations willing to support the club.

To find out more about the Raptors go to: facebook.com/Jurassiccoastraptors For more information call press officer Gus Mckechnie on 07494683146.