The Union Jack Classic Podcast

In this episode of the Union Jack Classic Podcast, we're joined by Elliot Hoyte, Managing Director of the Bristol Aztecs, to dive into the growth of American football across the UK. From grassroots clubs and the incredible volunteer community behind the sport to the opportunities that lie ahead, Elliot shares his insights into what it takes to build and grow British American football. We also disc...

College football is about so much more than what happens between the sidelines. In this episode of the Union Jack Classic Podcast, we explore the behind-the-scenes roles that keep elite college football programmes running. From equipment managers and athletic trainers to nutritionists, operations staff, marketing teams and recruiting personnel, we break down the careers that make game day possible...

From giant tailgates and stadium classics to regional food rivalries, we're diving into one of the most important parts of college football culture: the food. This week, the team debates the best game day snacks, discusses what UK fans can expect at American football games, and shares some of the wildest food traditions from across college football. Plus, we're joined by James G. Hudson , Director...

🎺 What would college football be without the band? This week on the Union Jack Classic Podcast, we're joined by members of the Kansas Band to explore one of the most iconic traditions in college football. From game day rituals and performances to the role the band plays in creating an unforgettable atmosphere, we take a closer look at the people behind the soundtrack of Saturdays. We also discuss...

This week on the Union Jack Classic Podcast, we're joined by Andy Kotelnicki, Associate Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator at Kansas Jayhawks football. Coach Kotelnicki discusses his coaching journey, what makes Kansas football special, the growth of the program, and the opportunity to bring college football to an international audience at Wembley Stadium this September. We also discuss: 🏈 The...

🏟️ Which college football stadium is the best in the country? Which one is overrated? And which venue would we never rush back to? In Episode 15 of the Union Jack Classic Podcast, the team debates the best, worst and most overrated stadiums in college football, sharing their favourite game-day atmospheres, toughest road environments and a few controversial opinions along the way. We're also joined...

Episode 14 of The Union Jack Classic Podcast welcomes Arizona State Athletic Director Graham Rossini. Before diving into Wembley Stadium, NIL and the future of college football, we had to settle one important debate first… what’s actually the hardest position to play in football? 👀🏈 We also discuss what it means for Arizona State to be part of the first ever Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium...

College football is coming to London… and who better to join us than the man helping shape its future. 🏈 This week on The Union Jack Classic Podcast , we sit down with Brett Yormark, Commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, to talk about the growth of college football, expanding the game to new audiences, and what opportunities events like the Union Jack Classic create on a global stage. We discuss...

What’s it like being a British fan of American football? In Episode 12 of The Union Jack Classic Podcast, we dive into the experience of following the sport from this side of the Atlantic, from late-night kick-offs and discovering the game in the UK, to why college football hits differently. 🇬🇧🏈 Joining us is special guest Travis Goff, Director of Athletics at the University of Kansas, as we talk...

Episode 11 of the Union Jack Classic Podcast is here. 🏈 This week, Max joins the pod to talk about growing up around American football in the UK, playing the game himself, and now helping bring college football to Wembley Stadium through the Union Jack Classic. We get into the reality of building the sport in the UK, the sponsorship side of UJC, and what it actually takes behind the scenes to put...

Coach Lance Leipold made the trip from Kansas to London 🇬🇧 to see where his team will take the field at Wembley Stadium this September. In Episode 10 of The Union Jack Classic Podcast , we sit down with the Kansas Head Coach to talk all things Union Jack Classic, how he keeps himself grounded, and how the Jayhawks are preparing for their historic trip to London. From walking Wembley to building a...

The Draft is heating up and so is the road to Wembley. 🇬🇧🏈 This week, the team dives into all the latest Draft buzz before being joined by a special guest straight out of Kansas — Dylan Edwards from the University of Kansas. We talk his journey, life in college football, and what it means to be part of a historic moment as Kansas heads to London. With the first-ever American college football game...

In Episode 8 of The Union Jack Classic Podcast , we dive into one of the most iconic parts of American college football culture… the spirit squads. We’re joined by Bianca Caryl, M.Ed., Sun Devil Spirit Squad head dance coach at Sun Devil Athletics, alongside two ASU cheerleaders, the incredible Jayden and Isi to break down what it really takes to be part of an elite collegiate cheer programme. Fro...

British American Football… in the UK? 🇬🇧🏈 Yep - and it’s bigger, more organised, and growing faster than you might think. In Episode 7 of the Union Jack Classic Podcast, we sit down with Rory McNair, Head of Marketing & Communications at BAFA, to break it all down. From how the sport actually works in the UK, to the pathway from university to national teams, and what’s being done to grow the...

Welcome back to the UJC Podcast, brought to you by the Union Jack Classic, building up to the first-ever American college football game at Wembley Stadium on September 19. Whether you’re completely new to the sport or live and breathe college football, this is the place to be. In Episode 6, we’re diving into one of the most fun debates yet… 🏛️ Creating our College Football Superhero & Villain...

Has NIL exposed what college football really is? In Episode 5 of the Union Jack Classic Podcast, we dive into one of the biggest shifts in modern sport: NIL (Name, Image & Likeness). From athletes earning money for the first time, to the impact on recruitment, team dynamics and the wider college system, we explore whether NIL has changed the game… or simply revealed what was already there. As...

Episode 4 of The UJC Podcast is here 🎙️ This week, we dive into one of the biggest driving forces in college football… rivalries. The history, the tension, the moments that define programs and split fanbases for generations. We’re joined by special guest, the COO & Co-Founder of the Union Jack Classic, Thomas Hensey, who brings a unique perspective on what makes these matchups so powerful and...

How Do You Pick a College Football Team? | The Union Jack Classic Podcast | Episode 3 If you’re a UK fan getting into American college football, one big question comes up fast… how do you choose a team? In Episode 3 of the Union Jack Classic Podcast, we talk through the different ways fans pick their college football programs. From iconic logos and helmets to location, team identity and even compa...

Episode 2 of the Union Jack Classic Podcast is here. This week we dive into the traditions that make college football one of the biggest sporting spectacles in the world. From the power of marching bands and the chaos of tailgates to the energy of legendary student sections, we break down the culture behind the game and why it’s unlike anything else in sport. Hosted by Ash, George, Sam and TJ, the...

Why The UK? | The Union Jack Classic Podcast | Episode 1 Why is American college football coming to London? And why now? In the very first episode of the Union Jack Classic Podcast, we break down the vision behind bringing US college football to Wembley Stadium, what it means for UK fans, and how this event is set to change the landscape of the game on this side of the Atlantic. This week we talk...