London Guard joins EFA, bringing professional American football to East London

Professional American football is coming to East London as the newly unveiled London Guard becomes the latest franchise to join the European Football Alliance for the 2027 season.

The Guard will play at BetWright Stadium, home of Leyton Orient Football Club, giving the EFA a foothold in one of Europe’s biggest and most competitive sports markets.

London enters the EFA

The move represents another major step for the EFA following the league’s launch in 2026.

This is not simply about putting another team on the schedule. The Guard is being built as a long-term professional franchise with its sights set on creating a genuine American football presence in the British capital.

General Manager William Elgeti wants the club to give the sport something it has been missing in the country.

“We want to build a club with purpose–one that brings an electric gameday atmosphere to East London, connects with the community, inspires the next generation and gives British American Football something to rally behind,” Elgeti said.

More than a football team

The plans extend well beyond what happens on Sundays.

The Guard intends to invest in youth development, community programs and flag football while creating more opportunities for men and women to play the sport throughout the United Kingdom.

David Gandler, Founder and General Partner of Gandler Sports Group, also pointed to the franchise’s commitment to Waltham Forest, including creating opportunities for young people through sport, skills development and employment.

Countdown to 2027 begins

Now comes the fun part: building the team.

The London Guard has begun putting its football and business operations together, with coaching appointments, player recruitment, ticket information and other announcements still to come.

For the EFA, adding London is a significant move.

For American football in Britain, it could be considerably bigger.