Introducing American Football to English Schools
The roots of American football in England date all the way back to World War II. U.S. and Canadian troops stationed throughout Europe would meet in the United Kingdom regularly to compete in rivalry matches throughout the war. These contests were met with positive reception from the British locals. In the two largest events, pitting […]
Continue ReadingSoaking Up the NFL International Series Experience
Dating back to the 2007 season, the National Football League has been playing at least one regular season game abroad each year. Beginning as an annual event, the NFL International Series expanded to multiple contests in 2013 and now features four regular season games every year. While the first 15 games were held exclusively at […]
Continue ReadingAmerican Football in Scandinavia Part 1: Finland
When it comes to American football in Scandinavia, one would be hard-pressed to find a country with a more successful, storied past than Finland. Dating back to the formation of the American Football Association of Finland (SAJL) in 1979, the sport has experienced significant growth year after year, especially in the last two decades. In […]
Continue ReadingAmerican Football in the Balkans Part 4: Serbia
The development of American football has uniquely progressed in the 41 European countries that currently have teams. The game organically appeared in each of these countries and the story of the sport in any one place is never quite the same as in any other. Even within this context, the development of the game […]
Continue ReadingAmerican Football in the Balkans Part 3: Croatia
It would be an understatement to say that the rest of Europe owes much of its cultural and historical traditions to the Balkans. In the 3rd Century A.C.E., long before the Enlightenment, the Renaissance, or the Reformation, the Roman Empire was teetering on the verge of collapse. In the midst of this tumultuous time, […]
Continue ReadingAmerican Football in the Balkans Part 2: Slovenia
Slovenia is a country of crossroads. Geographically speaking, four major European formations – the Alps Mountains, the Dinarides Mountains, the Pannonian Plain, and the Adriatic Sea – all intersect within this tiny country. From a linguistic standpoint, Slovenia has 3 official languages: Slovene, Italian, and Hungarian. However, English, Spanish, German, French, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, […]
Continue ReadingAn interview with Travis Brody on the NFL’s future in Europe
As part of my dissertation on the NFL’s future in Europe, I reached out to The Growth of a Game founder Travis Brody to discuss the topic. The interview gave me further insight into the NFL’s long-term strategies in Europe regarding brand extension, consumer communication, marketing, and business planning. What follows is the original […]
Continue ReadingUtilizing Economic Analysis Models in American Football – Part 3
For decades, economic analysis models have been facilitators for business managers in establishing strategies on short-term and long-term scales. These analysis models are often quick to learn and easy to understand, but offer a wide range of applicable possibilities. With a number of adjustments, these models are not only suitable in analyzing a company’s status […]
Continue ReadingAmerican Football in the Balkans Part 1: Bosnia
The widespread presence of American football in Europe is becoming more and more common knowledge among people around the continent. In countries like Germany, Austria, France, Sweden, and Finland, among others, the game has become relatively advanced. The German Football League and the Austrian Football League have even been gaining global attention, especially with […]
Continue ReadingUtilizing Economic Analysis Models in American Football – Part 2
For decades, economic analysis models have been facilitators for business managers in establishing strategies on short-term and long-term scales. These analysis models are often quick to learn and easy to understand, but offer a wide range of applicable possibilities. With a number of adjustments, these models are not only suitable in analyzing a company’s […]
Continue ReadingThe Holstebro Dragons and Guardian Caps: Leading the Way in Player Safety
Concern over the safety of playing American football can create legitimate reservations in the minds of both players and loved ones. Now of all times, with all the sophisticated knowledge and science surrounding injuries associated with the sport, organizations and players must treat safety with the utmost respect. Not coincidentally, in early 2016, the Danish […]
Continue ReadingUtilizing Economic Analysis Models in American Football – Part 1
For decades, economic analysis models have been facilitators for business managers in establishing strategies on short-term and long-term scales. These analysis models are often quick to learn and easy to understand, but offer a wide range of applicable possibilities. With a number of adjustments, these models are not only suitable in analyzing a company’s […]
Continue ReadingThe Complete List of Women’s American Football Teams in Europe
21 countries in Europe are home to over 200 women’s American football teams. This fact is astounding because in the United States – the birthplace of American football – women rarely, if ever play. However, in Europe, the situation is clearly quite different. In tribute to such a prevalence of women in the sport, The Growth […]
Continue ReadingThe Pursuit of the Big Dream
Spring has arrived. The many hours spent sweating at the local gym have been replaced by the wet green grass of the playing field. Finally, as a young player, you’re able to let your muscle strength bring fruition to your team’s success. Your physical abilities are one thing, but an even more vital element […]
Continue ReadingHow the Utrecht Dominators Attract Young Athletes to American Football
From an early age, children in the Netherlands are generally quite active and are involved in a broad variety of sports including soccer, field hockey, volleyball, gymnastics, and more recently, all forms of American football. However, when children turn 13, there is a relatively steep decline in participation of approximately 11% when it comes […]
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