GLOBAL FOOTBALL IS EXCITED TO WELCOME NFL ACADEMY BACK TO IRELAND
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NFL Academy Returns to the Global Ireland Football Tournament for a Third Time in 2027
Dublin, Ireland – Global Football is proud to announce that the NFL Academy will return to the Global Ireland Football Tournament (G.I.F.T.) in 2027, marking the elite international program’s third appearance in the prestigious event.
The NFL Academy, based at Loughborough’s world-renowned centre of sporting excellence in the United Kingdom, is a flagship global initiative of the National Football League. It provides talented student-athletes aged 16–18 from across the globe with a unique dual pathway that combines full-time high-school education with intensive, professional-level American football training, character development and life skills. Since its launch in 2019, the Academy has established itself as a leading pathway for international talent, with over 50 alumni earning scholarships to play college football in the United States, including 30+ student-athletes at the Division I level.
The Academy previously competed at G.I.F.T. in 2023 vs Bonner & Prendie of Philadelphia and delivered a standout performance in 2025, defeating The Hun School of Princeton 34-21 at Energia Park in Dublin. Its return in 2027 continues a valued partnership with Global Football and reinforces the shared commitment to expanding American football through meaningful international competition and cultural exchange.
“We are thrilled to welcome the NFL Academy back to G.I.F.T. for a third time,” said Patrick Steenberge, Founder and President of Global Football. “Their presence embodies everything G.I.F.T. stands for — high-level competition, cross-cultural connection, and the development of young people both on and off the field. Having the NFL involved reminds me of the 11-year run of the NFL Global Jr. Championships at Super Bowls beginning in 1997 which opened many doors for international teenage players.”
The NFL Academy’s continued participation underscores the growing global reach of American football and the power of sport to create life-changing opportunities for young athletes from diverse backgrounds. Further details on the 2027 Global Ireland Football Tournament, including matchups, schedule and ticketing, will be announced in due course. According to Kris Durham, Head of the NFL Academy, “We’re really excited to be returning to Ireland for the third time to compete in the GIFT Football Tournament. Playing against a top high school is a great opportunity for our players and another important step in both their development and our programs. We’re looking forward to being back in Dublin and competing in such a great event.”
About the NFL Academy The NFL Academy is a major global initiative by the NFL designed to develop international talent and grow the game worldwide. Operating primarily from its UK campus in Loughborough (in partnership with Loughborough College and Loughborough University), the Academy offers student-athletes a world-class combination of education, elite coaching, sports science support and personal development.
About Global Football Global Football organizes international American football experiences that combine competition, cultural immersion and educational opportunities for student-athletes around the world. The Global Ireland Football Tournament has been a cornerstone event since 2012, running alongside the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.
