TERRY Sands could never have imagined the sucess of Redditch Arrows from its humble beginnings. Now - 20 years on - the founder and life president is arranging a reunion bash to celebrate.

Sands was bitten by the American Football bug after numerous trips to the USA in 1984. However, it wasn't until 1985 that the former rugby player who had just moved to Lodge Park got the ball rolling.

A meeting with then Abbey Stadium manager Paul Watson was his first port of call. An article in the Redditch Advertiser followed and with more than 40 replies later Redditch Arrows was born on December 23, 1985.

To start Sands organised the football uniforms and equipment and then went on to sponsor the Arrows wishbone goalposts - at the time not even top flight UK teams could boast such a thing.

On the playing front Redditch Arrows were going from strength to strength. Chris Halford and Roger Smithies both joined as coaches and got the squad off the best possible start.

Sands played as centre until at the age of 51 decided to hang up his pads.

He moved to take up a coaching role with a newly formed Stratford Tempests and ended up playing with them before moving to Birmingham Bulls but at 55 decided enough was enough.

Since then the Arrows have won numerous divisions and awards.

Sands said: "I want to hear from as many original players and coaches as possible with a view to holding a reunion in December to commemorate the founding of the club."

"I would like to thank my wife and founder member of the Bows Cheerleading squad Karen and my children, Siovhan, Holly and Shelby for their support."