The Wheaton College Thunder football team’s electrifying journey to Portugal was a blend of cultural immersion, heartfelt service, and athletic milestones that will be remembered across the nation. On May 17, 2025, Wheaton College became the first college football team from the United States to play an American Football game in Portugal. The experience produced by Global Football mixed the thrill of sport with the power of compassion. Head Coach Jesse Scott summed it up in a heartfelt note: “Thanks again for an incredible trip. It was really special, and I am increasingly grateful for the opportunity.“
The heart of the trip pulsed through the team’s service, deeply rooted in Wheaton’s evangelical Christian mission. In Lousada, partnering with the Verde Association, the Thunder planted trees and built structures to bolster biodiversity. The group worked up a sweat mingling with locals, and shared in a commitment to the land. Their work ignited a spark of environmental pride, inspiring residents to continue their ongoing conservation efforts.
In Lisbon, a panoramic tour unveiled the capital’s soul, while a trek to Sintra and Cape Roca, followed by a hike in the Sintra Mountains, immersed the team in Portugal’s breathtaking landscapes. A SUP paddle session in Cascais and meals at local haunts like Chez Lapin and Prazeres da Carne showed the team Portugal’s coastal charm and culinary warmth, forging bonds over shared laughter and unique flavors.
The team joined the Lisbon Project near Riverside Church, preparing and serving meals to immigrants and refugees. Beyond nourishment, these meals offered connection. At the Paulo Seco Boxing Club in a struggling Lisbon neighborhood, the Thunder restored and painted facilities, transforming a dilapidated space into a colorful beacon for youth. This revitalization empowered the local kids, fueling more of their community dreams for brighter futures. At King’s College School, the team led a flag football clinic, introducing American football to wide-eyed students. Their enthusiasm lit a fire, planting seeds to further the sport’s growth across the nation.
The pinnacle of the journey was a groundbreaking moment in sports history: the first American collegiate football game ever played in Portugal. At Estadio Manuel Marques Torres Vedras, the Thunder faced the Portugal Select Team, and achieved a commanding 54-0 victory. Broadcast nationwide, the game was a cultural milestone, uniting Portugal’s tight-knit American football community—players, coaches, fans, and officials—in a moment of pride and possibility. For many Portuguese youth, watching the Thunder’s performance was an inspiration.
The post-game jersey swap with the Portugal Select Team was more than a gesture—it was a bridge between cultures, a symbol of unity that resonated deeply. Pedro Esteves of the American Football Federation in Portugal hailed the event as a turning point, noting its potential to elevate the sport’s profile in a country where soccer reigns supreme.
The Wheaton Thunder’s journey was a whirlwind of cultural discovery, selfless service, and a historic athletic feat. As Coach Scott’s words to Steenberge reflect, this trip transformed the players, forging unbreakable bonds and leaving a lasting mark on the communities they served. Returning home, the Thunder carried not just a monumental win but the profound impact of a journey that united cultures, inspired dreams, and changed lives forever.
