Dean Faithfull on European talent "It is no secret, it has always been there"
Alex Malchow
Dean Faithfull is a professional kicker who last kicked in the CFL for the Edmonton Elks. The British talent came to american football late his athletic career after playing soccer in England and in the US.
In his 30’s Faithfull decided to give american football a try and ended up kicking in college in Colorado. After a successful season there, he became a professional kicker int he Canadian Football League. Since last year Faithfull has been running several camps through his company “Gameday Kicking” with the ELF in hopes of developing the next global kicking talent.
He recently did a interview with us following his kicking camp with the Paris Musketeers.
What has it been like for you working with young talent in Europe through the camps with ELF teams?
“It is one of my favourite things I do with Gameday Kicking. I train young athletes all over the world but I am most passionate about coming back home and helping the next generation in Europe. There is so much talent here, especially when it comes to kicking. Many Europeans start with a ball at their feet, whether it be soccer or rugby. This makes it an easier transition to kicking an American Football. It doesn’t mean that every player that has kicked a soccer ball or rugby ball will be a great American Football kicker, but usually the best kickers have a soccer/rugby background."
"I have spent a lot of time working at my own technique, and have become very accustomed to the traits required to be an elite kicker. I have seen a lot of these traits throughout Europe and it is exciting to see so much natural ability. It is no secret, it has always been there.”
How would you describe your Paris kicking camp this year?
“This year, The European Kicking Camp was just as exciting as last year, with even more participants. A number of participants flew in from the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. We had a world-class facility this year, and were blessed to have access to ATHLETICA, a leading center for the training of athletes and the practice of high-level sports. It was the perfect place to host a camp!”
“Again, so much talent was on display. One of the kickers, Ruben Moxham is now playing for the Great Britain National Team and a global draft prospect for the Canadian Football League. Another athlete, French rugby player, Sebastien Garrigues attended the camp. He is a very talented individual. Following the camp, Sebastien booked his flight to Colorado, USA, to train with Gameday Kicking for 2 weeks as part of their Elite Development Programme. Sebastien has goals of playing in university in the USA, and playing in the ELF/NFL.”
Are there any other kicking camps planned?
“Gameday Kicking has many camps planned, across the USA, Canada and hopefully Europe this summer. There will definitely be a camp hosted in Europe once the ELF season has concluded.“
What's it like for you to give back to the game in this way?
“Giving back to the game in this way is the only way I know. If I didn’t I would feel selfish. I have had many people help me along the way. I have not done this by myself. Why wouldn’t I help other people achieve their dreams?”
“I’ve always thought sport is much more than your own achievements. As a professional athlete, you are quickly forgotten once you stop playing. Passing on your knowledge and helping others find their pathway is a way of ensuring you continue to make a positive difference to the world. I don’t think that should be underestimated. Coaches and teachers have the power to make a significant difference to young athletes. I am very thankful that the ELF supports me in this.”
The ELF recently had two kickers sent to the NFL IPP, including former Stuttgart Surge kicker Lenny Krieg who recently signed with the Atlanta Falcons.