DUBLIN, Ireland (WCTV) – American football is taking center stage in Ireland this week. Of course, the Florida State-Georgia Tech game this Saturday is the main attraction, but since 2012, the Global Ireland Football Tournament has brought 26 teams to Dublin as part of the Aer Lingus Football Classic. This year, Maclay is joining in, and this week is about so much more than just football.
Global Football has been the world’s largest exporter of American football since 1996. In 2012, Patrick Steenberge brought the organization to Ireland and the Global Ireland Football Tournament was born.
“They love their sport and it’s really cool how passionate they are about their sport and they’re passionate about American football,” Steenberge said.
This year, the Maclay Marauders are one of six teams participating in the fifth edition of the tournament.
“I don’t think we’ll realize it until we’re clearly there,” said Nash Beshears, a Marauders senior.
“I don’t want to think about it now. It will come when it comes, but it’s here now,” laughed head coach Jason Cauley.
For the boys from the capital, the trip is a unique experience.
“I think everyone recognizes how special this opportunity is, and I know we’re all very grateful to have the opportunity to come together, go out there and play a game,” senior quarterback George Grant said.
A chance for others to play and learn the game was all Steenberge ever wanted when he started his dream thirty years ago.
“It gives these kids the opportunity to come together as teams, travel the world and gain experiences and memories,” he said. “Football is an important part, but it’s also the meeting place.”
“That’s why football is so great. It brings people together in so many different ways,” Cauley added. “I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere and feel the excitement in the air.”
Maclay is one of four American high schools participating in this year’s tournament. The other two teams are from Europe. They will play Windham, a school from New Hampshire, on Friday at noon.
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