Abu Dhabi: Youngsters from the UAE are set to create ‘a lifetime of memories’ by representing the country with pride in a top American Football tournament in the US.
Two teams from the Emirates American Football League Falcons’ are taking part in the 58th annual Pop Warner Super Bowl in Florida from December 6-13.
The 11 to 14-year-olds will join 64 teams and more than 400 dance and cheer squads from across the US to play three games, ending with a championship decider and placing matches. The International Bowl games will be played on December 8, 11 and 13.
Under head coach Patrick Campos, the EAFL Falcons will include players from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain who represent the UAE at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista.
“Our players, coaches and fans are thrilled by the opportunity to have two teams represent the Emirates American Football League at the PWSB,” said Campos. “Although the EAFL is less than three years old, we have ambitious plans to engage with fellow American football enthusiasts around the world and create incredible opportunities and memories for our young players.
“As many of our players hail from countries as diverse as Egypt, Russia, India, China, Spain and Austria, as well as the USA, the chance to travel to the very heart of this great sport in the United States to play a tournament surrounded by hundreds of other young football players will be truly fantastic.”
He added: “In total, our two small teams will represent not only the EAFL and the UAE, but actually 12 different countries. For those of us originally from the US, there is something very special about introducing athletes from around the world to the great culture of American football.
“The EAFL is also proud to continue its history of blazing new trails, having been the first youth American football programme to travel to China to play a local team and now the first team outside of the Americas to participate in the PWSB. We look forward to a great tournament and a lifetime of memories.”
“The appeal of youth American football continues to spread and we are delighted to introduce youngsters from the United Arab Emirates to international competition,” said Global Football President Patrick Steenberge. “Along with their opponents from Canada and Mexico, they will enjoy what is always a memorable Pop Warner event.”
The EAFL is in its third year and played its first international competitions at under-19 and U15 levels in Shanghai, China.
The U15 EAFL Youth Falcons hosted German powerhouse the Düsseldorf Panther for two games in October 2014 and is the first youth team from the Eastern Hemisphere to travel to Orlando for the Pop Warner Super Bowl. The EAFL consists of players from more than 40 different countries.
A select team from Ontario will represent Canada in the international division for a fifth straight year, while Mexico will feature teams from Mexico City, Puebla, Queretaro and Toluca.
