Knights Accept Invitation from Global Football; join NCAA Season Opener
August 6, 2026
In 2012, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish began their season against the US Naval Academy in Dublin, starting the Aer Lingus College Football Classic tradition. Patrick Steenberge of Global Football and John Anthony of Anthony Travel, both Notre Dame alumni, collaborated to invite quality High School teams to Ireland for an experience described as “Much More than a Game”. Teams and staff spend time learning about Irish culture and connecting with locals, making the trip both educational and memorable. For alumni, families, and fans, the days in Ireland are unforgettable. Bringing a football team overseas requires vision and teamwork from school leaders, but for those who participate on the iconic Irish field, the journey is truly rewarding.
The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge has been officially announced as the first school to commit to participate in the 2027 Global Ireland Football Tournament (G.I.F.T.), marking a significant step for the program. From President Patrick Steenberge, “It is my honor to announce the initial school to commit to play in the 2027 Global Ireland Football Tournament, the Episcopal School of Baton Rouge. We have talked for weeks about this, and from the beginning both coaches and the administration understood the value this experience would bring to each student athlete, and to the overall school community. When we met in person last week, I knew we were making a solid choice as they ‘get it’. We have had 36 schools football teams be a part of G.I.F.T., along with another 12 school teams of different sports, and having Episcopal School of Baton Rouge is so special.”
Head Coach Travis Bourgeois and Director of Athletics Brent Broussard have shown clear understanding of the event’s importance, ensuring their student athletes and the wider school community will benefit from this unique opportunity.
“This type of experience elevates high school football, allowing the sport to be a cultural exchange. Our players will benefit from interacting with people from different cultures and educational experiences. Athletics is a common language we all share, and this allows us to make lasting connections,” said Bourgeois.
Broussard agrees, “I look forward to seeing our student athletes represent Episcopal School of Baton Rouge well on the international stage. Our well-rounded curriculum prepares our Knights well to dive deeper into other cultures while also sharing what makes our school such a special place.”
G.I.F.T. 2027 will be the eighth annual tournament, held alongside the NCAA Season Kickoff game, which will feature the University of Pittsburgh versus the University of Wisconsin.
The high school tournament is scheduled for Friday, August 27, with the NCAA game between Pitt and Wisconsin taking place the following day, August 28.
