Student represents micronation in American Football

A university student said his love of American Football had led him to represent a micronation off the coast of England.

Rowan Milner balances his master's course at the University of Chichester with playing for the Sealand Seahawks – a team which represents the Principality of Sealand, a self-proclaimed independent state located on a former World War Two sea fort in the North Sea.

He recently represented the Seahawks in February, with the next match in Brno, Czech Republic, in November.

"I started playing age 14. I got into it as me and my dad used to watch it on TV," he said.

"I did a quick Google search and found a local youth team, where I fell in love with the game and progressed until I made it on the under-19 GB squad."

The physiotherapy student has been involved with the Seahawks since 2022 when he made his debut in France, and also played for the Solent Thrashers in Southampton.

"My university has been very accommodating to allow me to travel, play and train, as long as I was able to maintain a good work-life balance as a student athlete," he said.

"They provided additional one-to-one sessions if I needed help."

He urged other student athletes to prioritise their health and mental wellbeing.

"By doing this, you will ensure your workloads aren't too much - but if they are, chat to someone," he added.

"The biggest thing for me was to ensure you get enough time with your family and friends, whilst doing the things you love."

Dr Connor Nyberg, senior lecturer in physiotherapy at the University of Chichester, said the institution was proud of what Mr Milner had achieved, on and off the field.

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