DUBLIN, Ireland (WCTV) – American football takes centerstage 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, that includes Maclay, and this week is so much bigger than just football.
Since 1996, Global Football has been the world’s largest exporter of American football. In 2012, Patrick Steenberge brought the organization to Ireland, and the Global Ireland Football Tournament was born.
“They love their sports, and it’s really cool how they’re passionate about their sports and they’re passionate about American football,” Steenberge said.
This year, the Maclay Marauders are one of six teams playing in the fifth installment of the Tournament.
“I don’t think it’ll sink in until we’re obviously over there,” Nash Beshears, a senior for the Marauders, said.
“I’m not wanting to think about it right now, it’ll get here when it gets here, but now it’s here,” Head coach Jason Cauley laughed.
The trip is a once in a lifetime experience for the boys from the Capital City.
“I think everyone realizes how special this opportunity is and I know we’re all so grateful for this opportunity to get together and go over there and play a game,” Senior quarterback George Grant said.
An opportunity for others to play the game, and to learn is all Steenberge ever wanted when his dream began thirty years ago.
“It’s giving these kids the opportunity to engage together as teams and to travel globablly and to create experience and memories,” He said. “Football is a key part, but again, that’s the gathering point.”
“That’s why football is so great. It brings people together in so many fashions,” Cauley added. “I can’t wait to get to see the atmosphere and feel the excitement in the air.”
Maclay is one of four American high schools in this year’s Tournament. The other two teams are from Europe. They play Friday against Windham, a school from New Hampshire, at noon.
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