American Football
American Football in Turkey is played for the first time in 1987 among the students of Boğaziçi University. The University played its first game with a team outside of school in 1988 with the “American Navy”. Boğaziçi Sultans on the other hand is founded in 1989 by Recep Akıncı, the Sports Director of Boğaziçi University and thus became the first American Football team of Turkey. In those years, even though there was great interest in this sport from within the school, it couldn’t progress due to the lack of competitors. In 1992, American Football started to becoming popular. The first official game between two Turkish teams was played in 1993 Boğaziçi University Sports Festival by “Boğaziçi Elephants” and “Istanbul Pistoflar” and ended with the victory of “Elephants” by 28-0. The first equipped game on the other hand was played in 2001 in Ankara, and ended with the victory of Boğaziçi Sultans against Bilkent Judges by 34-0.
As of 2005, American Football has gained an official identity under Turkish Baseball and Softball Federation. 2005-2006 was the first official American Football season in Turkey and the first champion has been Boğaziçi University American Football Club that has beaten Ege University with a score of 30-8 in Beşiktaş İnönü Stadium.
In 2008-09 season, Sultans again became the champion and participated in 2010 EFAF Challenge Cup. In this way, Boğaziçi Sultans played a match against Bucharest Warriors in Bucharest, Romania and won this game, being the first time played against the team of another country, by 46-0.
Sultans have closed 2013 season unbeaten and after the 7 game season, in the play offs have beaten ODTU Falcons and became the champion.
Sultans, by being the Champion of 2014 as well, is still the holder of the title. The play off game on the other hand was played in June 2014 against Koç Rams and the game was broadcast live on Internet.
Currently, there are more than 50 amateur players within Sultans. These players on the other hand are doing this sport since 4-5 years on average.
In 2014, Boğaziçi Sultans participated in the IFAF Champions League and will participate in 2015 as the champion of the previous year.
