Two London teams will go head to head for American football’s national championship when BritBowl XXV takes place at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre this weekend.

The London Blitz will be playing in their sixth consecutive Premier Division Final as they take on their heated cross-town rivals, the London Warriors.

The elite championship game of the BAFA (British American Football Association) National Leagues kicks off at 7:30pm on Saturday September 24 and features some big names from the world of American football and showbusiness.

Among the Warriors players suiting up will be television presenter and huge NFL fan Vernon Kay.

In his first season back in American football since playing as a junior for the Manchester All-Stars, Kay has established himself as a hard-hitting and willing defender.

Kay said: “It’s going to be a tough contest for the Warriors as the Blitz are reigning champions and after their successful time in Europe, they will be flying high.

"But come September 24, BritBowl XXV is going to be a spectacle to behold.”

The Blitz, who play their home games at Finsbury Park and feature former Gladiators star Rod Bradley (Spartan) among their playing ranks, are the reigning BritBowl champions and they added to their trophy cabinet in July when they won the EFAF Cup – American football’s version of the Europa League.

During the regular season, the Blitz tied with the Warriors 6-6 and then beat their rivals in the rematch by an 8-2 scoreline. The Blitz posted a regular season record of nine wins, no losses and one tie. They advanced to the championship game with a 41-0 drubbing of the Bristol Aztecs.

The Warriors are also no strangers to the BritBowl stage. Formed in 2005, they have won seven national championships across youth and senior levels. This senior team has yet to win the Premier Division Trophy but did secure senior titles in Division Two (2008) and Division One (2009).

Led by quarterback Jerome Allen, the Warriors boast a hard-hitting and exciting team. Among those looking to make a real impact at Crystal Palace on Saturday night will be wide receiver Marvin Allen, who played professionally in NFL Europe and went on to win a Super Bowl ring with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Also in action will be arguably the greatest player in British American football history in Victor Muhammad, who played running back for the London Monarchs way back in 1991.

The Warriors, who are led by the man who led the NFL’s search for international talent in Tony Allen, won eight games in the regular season, lost once to the Blitz and tied one game. They reached the final with a 34-7 thrashing of the Tamworth Phoenix.

BritBowl XXV (25) will see eight finals take place over the course of two hard-hitting, action-packed days at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre on Saturday September 24 and Sunday September 25. Here is the line-up for BritBowl XXV weekend:

Saturday September 24

11:30am Gates open to the public

12 noon Cadet Flag Final

1:00pm Junior Flag Final

2:00pm 14-17 year old Contact Final

3:00pm Division 1 Final – Leicester Falcons v East Kilbride Pirates

6:30pm Pre-Game show – The Urban Voodoo Machine

7:30pm Premier Division Final – London Blitz v London Warriors

Sunday September 25

11:30am Gates open to the public

12 noon Junior Contact Final

3:00pm Division 2 Final – South Wales Warriors v West Coast Trojans

6:00pm Adult Flag Final

Single tickets cost £15 for adults, £10 for 14 to 18-year-olds and £6.00 for under 14s. Weekend packages for both days of gridiron action cost £25 for adults, £15 for 14 to 18-year-olds and £8.50 for under 14s. Tickets can be bought via Ticketmaster at http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Britbowl-tickets/artist/5003180 Tickets can also be bought on the day.

Event organiser Drew Anderson says: “BritBowl XXV will feature a mouth-watering Premier Division Final on Saturday with the two best teams in the country going head to head. But the whole weekend should be great with some outstanding finals and entertainment on offer.”

The Urban Voodoo Machine will provide entertainment on Saturday evening along with human beatbox machine Lippicool and street dancers from around the world.

Single tickets cost £15 for adults, £10 for 14 to 18-year-olds and £6.00 for under 14s. Weekend packages for both days of gridiron action cost £25 for adults, £15 for 14 to 18-year-olds and £8.50 for under 14s. Tickets can be bought via Ticketmaster at http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Britbowl-tickets/artist/5003180 Tickets can also be bought on the day.