The Claremont McKenna Mudd Scripps (CMS) Stags recently completed a memorable journey through Spain and Portugal, blending rich cultural exploration with on-field excellence in an extremely impactful trip for international American football.
The adventure began in vibrant Barcelona, where the team made the most of their time with an action-packed itinerary. They toured the iconic La Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s breathtaking basilica that has been under construction since 1882 and stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site symbolizing Catalan modernism and architectural ambition. The group enjoyed a walking tour of La Rambla, Barcelona’s lively pedestrian street filled with history, street performers, and local culture, before wandering through the medieval streets of the Gothic Quarter, home to ancient Roman ruins and centuries of layered history. They also visited Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona’s largest park and former site of the 1888 Universal Exposition, and ventured up to Tibidabo, home to Spain’s oldest amusement park (opened in 1905). At the top, they were rewarded with incredible panoramic views from the basilica overlooking the entire city.
From there, the squad headed to Lisbon, where they continued their cultural exploration/ They explored the charming historic city center and the Belém monuments, including the iconic Tower of Belém, a 16th-century UNESCO site that commemorates Portugal’s Age of Discoveries and maritime heritage. The group also ventured to Cape Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe with its dramatic cliffs and lighthouse, and visited the fairy-tale Pena Palace in Sintra — a colorful 19th-century Romanticist castle perched on a hilltop, offering stunning vistas and a glimpse into Portugal’s royal past. In just a short window, the CMS Stags achieved an impressive amount in both cities, creating lifelong memories through history, scenery, and shared experiences.
The football highlight came on Saturday, May 23rd at Estádio Municipal Mário Wilson in Oeiras, Portugal, for the FLAD International Cup. The day started at 2:00 pm with an engaging football event for local kids, building excitement and introducing young fans to the sport. By the 4:00 pm kickoff, the stadium buzzed with energy, filled with American football enthusiasts, U.S. Embassy representatives, and supporters eager to witness the clash between the CMS Stags and the Portuguese National Select Team.
The game itself was nothing short of spectacular. The CMS Stags put on a dominant performance, securing a commanding 62-0 victory over the Portuguese side. Their offense was unstoppable, while the defense stood firm, delivering a masterclass in discipline, speed, and execution. It was more than just a win — it was a powerful showcase that highlighted the growing strength of American football in Portugal while demonstrating the high level of play the sport can achieve internationally.
This trip was pure joy and excitement from start to finish. The cultural immersion, combined with the thrill of competition, made it an unforgettable experience for the entire CMS group. The warm hospitality from Portuguese hosts and fans added to the magic, turning the journey into a true celebration of friendship and sport.
The event carried tremendous weight for the future of American football in Portugal. As only the second time a North American team has traveled there to compete, the matchup served as a landmark moment, inspiring local players and fans while strengthening transatlantic ties. It underscored how far the sport has come in the country and opened doors for even greater growth ahead.
We extend our highest praise to the Claremont McKenna Mudd Scripps program for their professionalism, sportsmanship, and excellence both on and off the field — true ambassadors for their country, their families, their university, and the sport of American football. Global Football is proud to have helped make this transformative trip possible, advancing our mission to expand the game worldwide through meaningful international competition.
Special thanks to CMS Head Coach Kyle Sweeney, and the friends and families of CMS who said yes to joining us on this experience. In addition, we would like to also thank and recognize Pedro Esteves, President of the Portuguese American Football Federation, whose leadership was key to the event’s success. As he powerfully stated beforehand:
“American football fans in Portugal are counting down the days to one of the most anticipated events of the year: the FLAD International Cup, taking place on May 23rd at Estádio Municipal Mário Wilson in Oeiras… For the Portuguese football community, this is more than a game — it’s a landmark moment… one thing is certain: the excitement surrounding this game is already a victory for American football in Portugal.”
Congratulations to the CMS Stags on a dominant victory and an incredible European journey! Events like this highlight the real impact of Global Football in building bridges and growing the game globally. Here’s to more historic moments ahead.
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