The UK's increasing interest in the NFL has benefited the Admirals

Admirals head coach Steve Perry says the sport's increased profile, helped by November's NFL game at Wembley, has been a huge boost.

"I played this sport for over 20 years, but the recent changes have been a more steady, structured increase," he said.

Player numbers in the UK have increased by 12% since last year's Wembley match.

"The training available to coaches is stronger, backroom staff get better support, and the sport is enjoying a higher profile amongst the wider sporting family," Perry added.

PLYMOUTH ADMIRALS BAFL FIXTURES 2008 13 April Hampshire Thrashers (a) 18 May London Cobras (a) 1 June Reading Renegades (h) 8 June South Wales Warriors (h) 15 June Cornish Sharks (a) 13 July Reading Renegades (a) 20 July Peterborough Saxons (h) 3 August Hampshire Thrashers (h) 10 August Cornish Sharks (h) 17 August South Wales Warriors (a)

The team's British American Football league schedule has been released for 2008, with the side's first match away at Hampshire Thrashers on 13 April.

The Admirals' south west derby matches with the Cornish Sharks will be on 15 June in Cornwall, with the reverse fixture being played on 10 August.

"We've been practising week in, week out and we're starting to look like a team that can perform," said captain and longest-serving player Mel German.

"The fixture list always goes straight up on my wall. Like most of my team mates I'm already looking forward to the battles ahead," he added.

And the club say it is not too late to join them if people fancy trying their hand at the sport.

"We always welcome new people at any time and would be proud to introduce more people to the sport at youth and adult levels," said General manager Sam Holder-Mark.