After a disappointing and premature end to the 2011 season, Norwich Devils are looking to the future to re-establish the club in the British American Football National League.

A host of injuries left the Devils unable to complete their programme, resulting in them forfeiting their remaining games.

But since May their committee has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure the club has the necessary off-field structure to enable it succeed.

The first stage was to reform the youth setup, which folded during the 2009 season for financial reasons. The Devils have regularly fielded a strong youth team since their formation in the 1980s, with several of their players representing Great Britain and playing in the European Junior Championships.

Former Devils Youth player Steve Hoskins has been appointed as the new youth team head coach with the immediate aim of regaining entry into the national league. And there are long term plans to run a under-19 team alongside their under-17s to maximise the opportunities for people to move steadily towards a place in the senior team.

General manager Stephen Williams said: 'Coming into the season we were having to deal with a lot of issues from previous seasons as the club hadn't had a committee for several years and was effectively being run by the head coach.

'During the 2010 season we had a strong team of experienced players that meant even though we only had 18 players available for some games we were able compete, and only narrowly missed out on the play-offs.

'For a variety of reasons, only a small number of these players returned for the 2011 season.

'A good response to our recruitment efforts gave us reason to believe we could compete in our division.

'But as players got injured and dropped out we could no longer field a competitive team and the decision was taken to withdraw.'

Mark Hoskins is staying on as head coach of the senior team – the first time in three seasons that there has not been a change during the off season.

'This is a great time for new people to get involved with the team as there are currently a lot of gaps in the roster,' he said.

'New players who get in early and train hard will have a great chance to secure a starting spot for the coming year.'

Anyone interested in playing for the club can either join their facebook group (search for Norwich Devils A.F.C.) or contact their recruitment representative at recruitment@norwichdevils.com

The club is also looking for level one or higher qualified coaches for all positions for both the senior and youth teams.