An American football team in Carlisle has re-branded - and returned to their original name.

Having ceased operations for their 2019 season after they forfeited the game with the Dumfries Hunters in May, the club, then known as the Carlisle Sentinels, withdrew from BAFA National League NFC 2 North.

They then took the opportunity to step away from the league and will play at associate level next year.

But after the club decided a fresh start was required, the team has made the decision to use the name of the original american football team in the city - the Carlisle Kestrels - and they are going back to their colours.

“Last season was a low point for the team,” head coach Paul Brady said.

"We had low player numbers and the whole team made the difficult decision to forfeit the season.

"It was decided that the team needed to draw a line under last season’s problems and that a fresh start was required."

Brady added: "When we began to think about a new name, Carlisle Kestrels was the obvious choice.

"It gives the team a history and a backstory and, ultimately, it’s just a cool name.

"There has been interest from some of the old Kestrels and they are all welcome to come down and have a look at what we are doing, and help out with a bit of coaching if they feel like it.

"My overriding thought was that this has to be a new approach, a new team and a new attitude - not just the same [team] again with a different name."

The new-look Carlisle Kestrels held their first taster session last Sunday, and Brady was pleased with the turn out.

“We have been able to move back to Gillford Park and I would like to thank [Carlisle City Football Club chairman] Brian Hall, who has been extremely supportive," said Brady.

"The first taster session was on Sunday at Soccerworld and the team had a really good session, with the majority of participants being new to the sport.

"Because the team are having to go through the associate process to regain league status, this is the perfect time for new starters to join the team.

"We aim to use this time to introduce as many people as we can to american football without the pressure of having to be ready for competitive fixtures in a couple of months’ time."

To get involved, contact “The Carlisle Kestrels” on Facebook.

Currently, the club can only cater for those 18 and over, although Brady hopes to set-up junior teams once the adult side has been formed.