London Guard
| London Guard | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Founded | 11 August 2026 |
| Stadium | BetWright Stadium |
| Headquartered | Leyton, London, England |
| Colors | Scarlet, white, black |
| Website | www |
| Personnel | |
| Owner | David Gandler |
| General manager | William Elegeti |
| Head coach | Andrew Weidinger |
| League / conference affiliations | |
| European Football Alliance | |
The London Guard is an American football club based in Leyton, London, England. The club will compete in the European Football Alliance beginning in 2027.[1]
History
[edit]In March 2025, The Guardian reported that Gandler Sports Group (GSG), which at that time took over English third-league football team Leyton Orient, also wanted to establish an American football team, which should play in Leyton's home stadium.[2] In November 2025, the European Football Alliance (EFA) confirmed the accession of a London franchise, start playing in 2027.[3][4]
The team's name and logo were unveiled on 11 August 2026.[5] Retired British-Nigerian defensive end Efe Obada was announced as club ambassador.[6][7] William Elgeti is general manager.
Andrew Weidinger was announced as head coach for the 2027 season on 23 August 2026.[8]
Stadium
[edit]The London Guard will play at Brisbane Road (currently known as BetWright Stadium for sponsorship purposes).[1] The stadium is also home of Leyton Orient F.C., with whom the Guard share an ownership group. It has a capacity of 9,271.[9]
Colors and logos
[edit]The Guard's logo incorporates a simple battlement above a stylized portcullis, possibly inspired by the badge of the 1st Battalion London Guards. The team colors are red, white, and black.
See also
[edit]- London Warriors, a professional American football team competing in the American Football League Europe
References
[edit]- 1 2 "London Guard confirmed for 2027 EFA debut". Gridiron Magazine. 12 August 2026. Retrieved 8 September 2026.
- ↑ Hughes, Matt; Hughes, Exclusive by Matt (27 March 2025). "US-based consortium close to ambitious £18m takeover of Leyton Orient". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 8 September 2026.
- ↑ Football | 11/07/2025, AFI | American. "EFA welcomes the addition of London and Milan". Retrieved 8 September 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ↑ Dixon, Ed (18 November 2025). "David Gandler's GSG bags London franchise in breakaway European Football Alliance". SportsPro. Retrieved 8 September 2026.
- ↑ "London Guard Joins European Football Alliance for 2027 Season – SportsTravel". 14 August 2026. Retrieved 1 September 2026.
- ↑ "London Guard". London Guard. Retrieved 2 September 2026.
- ↑ "OBADA RETIRES TO PURSUE LIFE'S 'TRUE CALLING'". Gridiron Magazine. 12 August 2026. Retrieved 8 September 2026.
- ↑ "Weidinger appointed as Guard's first head coach". Gridiron Magazine. 23 August 2026. Retrieved 8 September 2026.
- ↑ "Breyer Group Stadium | Brisbane Road | Leyton Orient FC | Ground Guide". 30 July 2026. Retrieved 22 September 2026.