BLACK KNIGHTS RE-SIGN COACHES MUTIC ANS ISAACSON The Örebro Black Knights have extended their HC Branko Mutic throughout the 2026 season. Last year’s Coach of the Year is coming off the back of a stellar campaign that saw the Black Knights compete for the #1 seed up until the final week of the season, where they lost to the eventual champion Carlstad Crusaders . Mutic , who is also the Offensive Line Coach for the swedish national team and a former Offensive Lineman himself, is known for a ground and pound approach with his offense, that was build on the shoulder of import RB Jakub Brezina , QB Viktor Ekberg and long-time Örebro WR Trevor Vasey . Another key signing for the 2026 season is the one of OC Joel Isaacson , who returns to the Black Knights for yet another season. The former Örebro signal caller is also part of the national team coaching staff and will once again install an explosive and efficient offensive system. His goal will be to develop the homegrown players into potential assets for their offense. With his background in Quarterback play and youth development his re-signing could be a hint that the Black Knights might go with a homegrown Quarterback once again after the success they’ve had with Viktor Ekberg the previous season. CRUSADERS ADD ELF TALENT TO THEIR ROSTER After the retirement of both Alex Gudding and Mattias Eriksson , as well as the departure of QB Slade Jarman , the Crusaders were looking at three major holes in their roster for the upcoming season. After one of the openings has been closed with the signing of german LB Eric Bauroth , we now know who is going to complete the Crusader ’s “rebuild” at those positions. OLB Yann Hinder , who was a surprise standout at ELF level last season, where he finished #6 overall in combined tackles in the entire league, will fill the second vacant LB spot for the Crusaders . Hinder & Bauroth are both only 23 and 24 years old but racked up almost 200 combined tackles last season. Two interesting assets for DC Tracey Gere , who will for sure find creative ways to use his two new Linebackers. The third signing of the offseason is the one of QB Jackson Erdmann , who won the ELF Championship in 2022 with the Vienna Vikings . After he initially retired from football after that game, he’s now returning to Europe to play with offensive linemen Niklas Johansson and Matthew Daltrey (if he re-signs) once again. Erdmann was a D-III standout at college level where he won their equivalent of the Heismann-Trophy and is now looking to lead a prolific Crusaders offense. SWEDISH TALENTS COMMIT TO COLLEGE The Tyresö Royal Crowns have lost DT Adrian Bekibele to college. The three-star DT and RIG Academy graduate has committed to Kansas State after posting 8,5 Tackles alongside 1,5 TFLs and 1 Sack in just 4 games this previous season. But he’s not the only big time swedish prospect to commit to a program overseas. Tight End Maximilian Tillfeldt Retsler and Standout Edge Rusher Gustaf Henrik Ras will take ther talents to the University of Wake Forest and Boise State respectively. Retsler had not previously played in the swedish first division but also attended RIG Academy in Uppsala while Ras had a breakout season with AIK , where he posted 21 total tackles as well as 9 TFLs, 2 Fumble recoveries and 8 Sacks in just 6 games, including two separat 3-Sack-Performances. ROYAL CROWNS ANNOUNCE TREVOR VASEY The Tyresö Royal Crowns have a new Quartberback! Trevor Vasey , the Superserien ’s all time passing leader with a total of over 5.000 yards jumps ship from the Örebro Black Knights to Stockholm , where he will inherit the offense from previous signal caller Jared Heywood . The american veteran Vasey has played in Örebro for a long time, first as a QB and then last season as a Wide Receiver, when the Black Knights decided to give the reigns to Viktor Ekberg . Maybe that was part of the decision to return to his original position now with a very very talented receiving group in Tyresö .

Out of the ashes of the ELF , the European Football Alliance ( EFA ) is beginning to rise but not without problems. The new organization aims to become the face of professional American football in Europe following five seasons of the European League of Football ( ELF ). Has Anyone Heard from the ELF? The European League of Football seems to be fading quietly into an unceremonious end. Rumors suggest the league has accumulated more than €5 million in debt and hasn’t paid revenue-sharing funds to its member teams for at least two seasons. Teams have lost trust in the ELF . Even with investors allegedly offering to wipe out its debt in exchange for new ownership stakes, it appears the damage is done. The breakup is official…. Go ahead and update your status. EFA Charging Ahead: Building Toward a More Sustainable League Former ELF teams are eager to preserve the positive aspects of the old league particularly its creation of a professional platform that brought the sport to heights unseen in Europe since NFL Europe . The EFA currently boasts 13 member clubs, 11 of which competed in the ELF ’s 2025 season. Can the EFA Build a Financially Stable League? The EFA is emphasizing an NFL -style revenue-sharing structure in which teams contribute to a central pool and benefit from the overall success of the league, a stark contrast to the ELF ’s more independent model, where teams were sinking and swimming together in the same pool. It’s an ambitious approach. The ELF lost millions, and the UFL in the U.S. still struggles financially. The question remains: can an NFL -inspired system work at a smaller, European scale? Strong New Members Join the EFA New franchises in London and Milan were announced last week.  London fans, who long wanted a team in the ELF , finally get their wish. Tech entrepreneur David Gandler is backing the new East London franchise, tapping into one of Europe ’s most promising markets. Meanwhile, Milan returns to the top level of European football. The Milano Seamen , who played in the ELF in 2023 and 2024 before withdrawing, are back “in the show,” bringing Italy ’s market into the EFA fold once again. Trouble on the Horizon? Sources indicate growing tension within the EFA . The Vienna Vikings , Stuttgart Surge , Berlin Thunder , and Rhein Fire are reportedly considering breaking away to form a separate league with a different financial model, one backed by a mysterious American investor. This rival league would allegedly offer teams upfront payouts for joining but could siphon long-term revenue. Reports suggest that the Surge , Rhein Fire , and Berlin Thunder are in financial distress and see the proposed payouts as an immediate lifeline rather than investing in the EFA ’s long-term stability. What Does This Mean Two Leagues? If the divide continues, Europe could soon have two professional American football leagues. In that scenario, the EFA would field around nine teams, the Storm , Galaxy , Bravos , Musketeers , Lions , Milan , London , and Panthers among them while the new breakaway league would feature the Thunder , Surge , Rhein Fire , and Vikings . The breakaway group could try to recruit additional clubs such as the Calanda Broncos or Potsdam Royals , or even launch new franchises like the rumored Alpine Rams in Switzerland . Another key question surrounds the Munich Ravens , one of the ELF ’s more recent franchises, which has yet to formally commit to the EFA . What’s Next? Expect more announcements from both the EFA and this rumored rival league before the new year. Fans are hopeful for exciting football in 2026, and for now, the EFA remains the most promising path forward. Time will tell who ultimately takes the field.

Edinburgh Napier Knights (2-0) Last year’s Scottish champions have continued true to form this year so far. A big 35-0 win in week 2 over Stirling cemented the Knights as contenders once again, with a well-rounded offensive performance leading the way. They added a second shutout with a 53-0 victory against Heriot-Watt .  Napier ’s offense has an arsenal of weapons at its disposal, from the veteran offensive line to a number of under-19 graduates in the receiving room. They are spearheaded by the duo of quarterback Cameron Dunn and running back Archie Inglis . The pair have combined for twelve touchdowns over the first two fixtures, whilst the defence has yet to concede a point.  Edinburgh Napier now faces the 2-0 University of Edinburgh for a capital city grudge match. Stirling Clansmen (1-1) The Clansmen have been striving to top the Scottish division since it was reformed, but have played second-fiddle to the Knights , who knocked them out of the playoffs in last year’s quarter-final. The trend continued in their season opener as they were unable to score a single point against the reigning division champions.  Stirling hoped to get back on track with a trip up to Aberdeen , but they will have to wait as it was ruled a walkover. They certainly have the talent to make a splash, with tight-end Ben Gove leading a star-studded receiving corps. Rookie quarterback Jonny Taylor will look to take the starting spot after leading his local club to a National Final and appearing for Great Britain under-19.  The Clansmen return to action against the 0-3 Heriot-Watt Wolverines , who should present a softer target. Stirling will be eager to prove they are a top three team and get their first points of the season. University of Edinburgh Mavericks (2-0) The University of Edinburgh underwent dramatic changes last offseason, bringing in a new coaching staff made up of former Edinburgh Wolves veterans. Led by Dave Orr , the staff will look to elevate the standard at one of Scotland’s largest universities.  The Mavericks finished third place last season and slipped into the playoffs before losing to Edinburgh Napier . The rivalry between these two teams runs deep, with their annual varsity game attracting large crowds to Meggetland Stadium .  Edinburgh had a delayed start to the season after their home opener against Aberdeen was postponed. They debuted against the Glasgow Tigers and put together a strong performance to win 22-0. The defence under coordinator Ross Young shut down a Tigers team that scored 30 the previous outing, with second year linebacker Mark Carolan making his presence felt off the edge.  They will face a true test this week against the undefeated Knights at Peffermill . The offense will need to find another gear if they hope to keep up with the explosive scoring potential of their Napier counterparts. Glasgow University Tigers (2-1) Glasgow came into the season as a team to watch, with a consistently strong defence complimented by a rejuvenated offence under new coordinator Mikey Reynolds .  A strong core of players going into their second year provides a solid foundation for the team to build their way up the rankings. Quarterback Reece Aris brings experience from his club at East Kilbride as well as Scotland and Great Britain .  Glasgow came out strong in their first game against Heriot-Watt , winning 30-0. Unfortunately, Aris suffered a hand injury in the first game that has handicapped the Tigers ’ passing attack. The next game was in stark contrast as they fell 0-22 to the University of Edinburgh . Whilst the defence kept the pressure on Edinburgh , nifty running was not enough to get the one-dimensional Tigers offense into the endzone.  They got the chance to bounce back in the return fixture against Heriot-Watt , coming away with a narrow 19-12 win to take into the bye. Heriot-Watt Wolverines (0-3) Heriot-Watt have shown so far that they have fallen off greatly from last season. Without their offensive core from last year, a clean slate of rookies has been thrust into action. First year Head Coach Daryl Thomson has rejoined the team after two seasons away, alongside stalwart DC Stewart Winton . The Wolverines began this season with a disappointing pair of losses to Glasgow (0-30) and Edinburgh Napier (0-53). The lack of experience showed on offence with more penalties than points.  The sole bright spot on defence was captain Abdul Senussi . The veteran linebacker came up to make multiple stops against the Napier offence but will need some more support from his teammates if the Wolverines are hoping to contend in the division.  They showed slight improvement with a 12-19 loss to the Tigers last weekend and hope to continue to build as they play Stirling this week. Aberdeen Bulls (0-2) Aberdeen remains at the bottom of the table after scraping by last season with four walkovers. They have started this year with a pair of walkovers, as the league question how long they can keep the charade going. After hosting Stirling for a scrimmage the previous weekend, it remains to be seen if they will attend their next away fixture against Heriot-Watt .  The Bulls have another week to get themselves together before they need to travel down to Edinburgh for their best chance at a competitive game this year.

In this fourth installment of updates related to Italian football , the focus is on the European Championship which saw the Blue Team among the participants in the Final Four and the first rumors about the 2026 season. As we are getting closer and closer to the start of the season, here’s some more about the tricolore movement, and so much has happened all around Italian Football during this month, so let’s get into it with a little bit of tomato sauce on top. Panthers fly high in Italian Flag Football The Parma Panthers have won the Italian Flag Football Championship at the start of the month of October beating the Milano Mad Dogs 27-8. The emilian team, named Nador ( Ducks in their native language), has ended the Final Eight played in Ferrara undefeated, winning against Trento Thunders (46-27), Arona 65ers (35-34) and Warriors Bologna (38-32) in the Group Phase, and then Lazio Marines (33-28) in the semifinal. The team has then dominated the final thanks to a great performance by Simone Alinovi , European Champion with Italy at the Flag Euros in France , who has scored 4 TDs, including a Pick Six, while Damian Samb has scored a late TD for the Milan team, losing their second straight final after the 2024 loss against the 65ers . Alinovi , thanks to his performance throughout the two days event, has been named MVP . The Panthers have won their first title in team’s history and are now the second team ever in Italian Flag Football winning at least a championship both in Men’s/Open category and in Women’s league after Refoli (2023) and Ranzide Trieste (2012-2013-2015-2016) were able to do so. Female Panthers team wins at the Swedish Pumpkin Bowl Parma Panthers have also won the Women’s Tournament at the Pumpkin Bowl played on the weekend of November 1st and 2nd in Gothenburg , Sweden , beating Arlanda Jets in the final 35-7. This was also a tournament full of italian teams. Also participating were the Sherogs , a mix of players from Hogs Reggio Emilia and Sheroes Milano , Fenici Ferrara , the Aquile ’s Women’s team, and a selection of players from italian brand Snatch-In called Witches . Some of the players have also played for the Nador / Panthers team, winners in the Men/Mixed Italian Championship, so can celebrate a double tournament win for their Emilian side. Italy takes bronze at the IFAF European Championship in Germany Italy has finished the European Championship Final Four in Germany with a third straight podium. The Blue Team ended the tournament in third place after beating home side Germany in the third place game. Italy faced Finland in a even semifinal. Bad weather and defenses on a great day were the leit motiv of the game, as Finland scored first on a four yard run by Tuukka Lehtonen . A 27 yard Field Goal by Anssi Ruohonen scored before half time closed the first half.  First, Italy scored a Safety at the start of the final quarter, then former Panthers and now Potsdam Royals player Ryan Minniti scores a running TD, and the Coaching Staff decides to go for two, but the conversion is no good and the Blue Team loses the game. In the Bronze Medal Game Italy was forced to play against Germany , returning after eleven years to the European Championship after winning the Group B Euros two years ago. The home team scores first on a Heiko Bals 5 yard run, but then a reception by Carlo Tassan ties the game at the end of the first quarter. Another German TD was scored during the second quarter, as Lars Heidrich finds Niklas Schumm in the end zone, then Italy’s Kicker Matteo Felli scores a 40 yard Field Goal before the end of the first half. After a scoreless third quarter, the Blue Team goes up on a TD by Skorpions ’ Matteo Mozzanica , ending a 90 yard drive in a perfect way. Florian Finke has the opportunity to tie the game with fourty seconds left, but his 43 yard Field Goal goes wide to the left. This is the third straight podium for Italy in the Tackle European Championship after winning it all in 2021 and winning the Bronze Medal Game in 2023, both times against Sweden away from home. This was also the Last Dance for three players: Alessandro Vergani , after winning the ELF Title with Stuttgart Surge , has already annonced that the Final Four was his last tournament before hanging his helmet to the wall. He also annouced that will become a father for the first time, so we wish him all the best for this milestone in his life. Another player retiring from football is Kicker Matteo Felli , one of the strongest legs in our movement. The former Panthers Parma and Seamen Milano ( ELF ) member, after playing soccer, joined the Emilian team in 2016, winning both the italian title and the Euros final with Italy in 2021. After playing in the ELF in 2023 and 2024, he came back to the Panthers in 2025, his final season. The final player retiring, this time from the Blue Team , is another Panthers player and veteran, Giovanni Caccialupi , as he will continue with his club, but will not be called again for the Blue Team . The game also counted as the first act of the Gridiron Nations Championship , a tournament that will also see Canada on the field. Italy will now face the canadians on November 9th in Milan with the possibility to take home the trophy. For the record, Austria , for the second time in a row, won the title defeating 27-0 Finland in the Championship Game, winning their second title ever. FIDAF and Rome City Institute confirm a second edition of the IFL Draft After last year’s success, FIDAF and the Rome City Institute have confirmed that the 2025 IFL Draft will officially take place in November. Cooper Heisey , the Head Coach of the Football Department of Rome City Institute , has announced in a video posted on Social Media that on November 21st there will be the Combine , while one week later the players selection will take place. Like last year, team record will decide the order, while Radio Sideline understands that there will be two rounds instead of one, but that is not confirmed as of now. It is also unknown if the players will not occupy a Import spot on the Active Roster like last year. Eight teams particiapted in the first ever IFL Draft in 2024, and some have decided to not take part, giving up their choice. Between the players who made a huge impact we remember Aquile Ferrara One Williams , one of the main characters of last season, and Dolphins Ancona Parker Richardson , the first ever Draft Player to reach the Italian Bowl . Players and Coaches movements Cocai Terraferma , competing in Nine Football League last year, have named former turkish player Bora Inan as their new Head Coach . A former LB, RB and Safety, will get his first taste of American Football abroad after coaching the Yasar University Admirals . He also has a background in Basketball, as he is coaching a youth team in Turkey . Last year, the team from Veneto has ended their 9FL season on a deceptioning 0-6 record, out of the playoffs in its first year in FIDAF Football. Former Barcelona Dragons GM Bart Iaccarino has been confirmed as the Head Coach of IFL2 team Trappers Cecina The neapolitan coach, with a large trajectory in Italian and Spanish Football, will continue his tenure as the HC and GM of the tuscanian team for the third year in a row. Last year the Trappers ended their season with a second place in Group A on a 5-3 record and losing 35-0 in the Wild Card Round against Reapers Torino away from home, so this year the expectations inside the team are high. Jordan Bouah has been announced as a coach for his former team Gladiatori Roma in junior and senior seasons in 2025-26 The Italian WR, who has played for Rhinos Milano , Rhein Fire and Stuttgart Surge , winning the ELF title this year, has started his journey in Rome before playing High School and College Football in the United States . He will not retire, as we know, as many players have double duties in our country, both in coaching and playing. Legionari Roma have signed veteran QB Elvis Tarroni to their roster for the 2025 Nine Football League A long time face in Italian Football, he was one of the players of the National Team playng the first World Cup of American Football in 1999, and since then he traveled all around our country to mostly play in teams from Center Italy . He last played for Trappers Cecina , a team from Tuscany which took part in the IFL2 , the Second Division, last year, but his trajectory includes stays with Lazio Marines , Guelfi Firenze and Gladiatori Roma . Giaguari Torino have announced their first Import Player for the 2026 season in Ethan Greenfield The former Kuopio Steelers and Helsinki Roosters Running Back, also Offensive Player of the Year in the 2024 finnish Maple League , will be a huge weapon on the offensive side of the Black and Yellow team. He was the All Purpose leader in yards per game last season in the whole league, scoring 11 TDs in eight games and totalising 1392 yards (1102 rushing and 266 receiving), 174 yards per game, the best in the 2025 season. Giaguari have also lost their QB Evan Lewandovski , who has signed for the Salina Liberty of the National Arena League , so they’ll also need a new director on the field. Former Frogs Legnano HC Tony Addona will be the new Offensive Coordinator for ligurian team Pirates Savona The blue and white offense has struggled last year under Steve Smyte as OC, including an unfortunate series of injuries that have hit the most important department on offense, that of the QBs. Addona , also a former Seamen Milano OC in the European League of Football, will join the Coaching Staff led by Head Coach Alfredo Giuso Delaria for the 2026 season. The Pirates have gained their right to play in the 2026 Italian Football League after winning the Relegation Playoff game against Lions Bergamo , but FIDAF has not announced yet the teams playing in next year’s championship, so it is still unclear if the Pirates will be participating.

The sun is setting on another British American Football season, and a rematch for the ages is the final treat before the 2025 season enters the history books and the 25/26 British University American Football season can be born out of its ashes. A new playoff format for those competing in Divisions 1 & 2 means that no teams from those divisions will be loading their car with pads and helmets to take the field at the home of British American Football at Butts Park in Coventry , though I am sure that instead of bottles of Gatorade , the D1 and D2 players will be drinking bottles of another variety on September 7th . Some in celebration and some in commiseration as BAFA instituted Promotion/Relegation games for those two divisions, and for the first time, we’ll already know who is on the way up before Britball ’s biggest game.  D1 & D2 Playoff Recap The new format for the D1 & D2 Playoffs has been an interesting experiment, now having the lowest seeds competing with the winners from the division below.  (Apart from the Northern Premiership with Edinburgh Wolves folding and Newcastle Vikings taking a walkover, which means instant promotion for both the Scunthorpe Alphas and Merseyside Nighthawks ) First, let's head to the D2 South , where two teams who were just relegated back down to D2 bounce straight back up as the Oxford Saints and Hereford Stampede claim promotion with the Saints trouncing the Berkshire Renegades 28-0 and the Stampede relegating the Somerset Wyverns with a score of 17-7.  In the North, one of Britain's oldest American Football teams finds itself in D2 now, as the Birmingham Bulls fall to the formerly Premiership Leicester Panthers as they begin their climb back up the American Football pyramid with a score of 49-8 and promotion into D1 next season.  Whilst in the other Division Two Northern “gulag” game, the Sheffield Giants managed to stamp themselves into the record books by being the only team in the relegation position to save themselves by beating the Lancashire Buccancers 20-8.  Cheetahs vs Stallions In the only Premiership Relegation/Promotion game the winners of the undefeated winners of Division One South , the Wembley Stallions , travelled to Watford for a date with destiny, the 1-9 Hertfordshire Cheetahs . A game that seemed commonplace, with no rivalry attached, but that changed when a video surfaced of a Cheetahs coach undermining the undefeated season of the Stallions , leading to both teams playing for more than just a spot in the Premiership .  A sweet victory went the way of the Stallions , proving doubters wrong as they smashed the struggling Cheetahs 53-7, sending Hertfordshire down to Division 1 and making themselves the third London -based playing in the Premiership next year. Britbowl XXXVII Competing in the 37th celebration of all things Gridiron in the UK will be the same as the 36th but though the team names have stayed the same, everything else has changed.  Firstly, the defending and seven-time Britbowl Champions , the London Warriors have displayed their textbook dominance over the Premiership South …Well, almost textbook. Having four shutout victories, two over the Hertfordshire Cheetahs , one over Rushmoor and another over the London Blitz and maybe most importantly a 24-13 victory over the Aztecs in Week 5. Stacking together a point differential of +377 over the season with their overwhelming offence, with stars such as Quarterback Dee Williams and Running Back Andy Owusu , who had a stint at the ELF’s Madrid Bravos partway through the season, leading the offensive charge. On top of their impressive defence, which only allowed 73 points this season, the challenge to the Warriors ' throne once again seems like it could be too much to bear for most teams.  Their journey through the playoffs saw them take place once again as the winners of the Premiership South , welcoming their old foes, the Coventry Phoenix and the Warriors dispatched Coventry with a 41-0 beatdown to claim their place in Britbowl 37 . “Almost textbook” is the term I used to describe the Warriors ' regular season as once again the London Warriors ' regular season ended without losing a game; however, it was not a perfect record. In the final week of the Britball regular season, we were treated to another thrilling battle between the Warriors and Aztecs , this time at the Aztecs ' home, which ended in a captivating 24-24 draw. This presented itself as a morsel of the game that we expected to see on the 7th of September .  I spoke with a few of the Aztecs after that game, and the words were all positive. “It’ll keep us hungry” being the main phrase used.  The Bristol Aztecs ' Britball regular season record, finishing at 7-2-1, may raise red flags, but when you consider just how busy the Aztecs have been this season, there is still a groundswell of support for Bristol potentially being able to take their first Britbowl Championship home on September 7th.  As mentioned above, the Aztecs suffered an early loss to the Warriors when they visited the University of Greenwich , but arguably the most surprising result for the Aztecs was their 26-24 loss to the London Blitz at their home pitch in Week 11 after defeating the Blitz 20-7 in Week 7.  For my money, anyway, that loss to the Blitz acted as a slap to the face of the Aztecs and woke them up. From the point the Aztecs lost to the Blitz , they stormed through two meetings with the Cheetahs , thrashed the Rushmoor Knights and ended up with that draw against the Warriors . Then for the fourth year in a row the Aztecs found themselves having to endure the almost four-hour trip up to BelleVue to take on the two-time Britbowl Champions in the Manchester Titans , though the game had points of the two squads being able to go shot for shot, the Aztecs pulled ahead with a staggering offence showcase thanks to RB Joey Ampomah and spectacular catches by Noah Clack and AJ Carr , winning the game 38-28. But Britball was not the only league the Aztecs found themselves in this year, as the CEFL came calling and Bristol answered. Welcoming the Amsterdam Crusaders to Dings Rugby Club , and for the first time in years, a British American Football team defeated a squad from the continent 46-7.  Their journey then took them to Carlstad to face another band of Crusaders , with the team from Sweden dispatching the Aztecs with a 35-0 shutout victory. Bristol have played more football than anyone this season, and it begs the question, are they worn out or battle tested? A question I am sure we will get the answer too when they try and find redemption from their 31-10 loss to the Warriors at Britbowl 36.

Another edition of the Portuguese American Football League has come to an end, once again capped off by a televised final. It was a season of plot twists, revenge stories, and new stars who stepped onto the stage and shone brightly. And we’ve now gathered all their grades.   Top of the Class Lisboa Devils – A The Devils did exactly what was expected of them: reach the final. With major reinforcements like Jordan Vieira  and Chris Thelasco , plus a culture of consistency built over years by head coach and quarterback Bernardo Solipa , this team once again showed why they’re always contenders. On offense, they were the complete package: a ground threat with Juzz  and a dangerous passing game fueled by WR duo, Guilherme Solipa and Jordan Vieira . In the trenches, both offensive and defensive lines held strong. Defensively, it took them time to hit their stride, but when it mattered most late in the year, they delivered. Why not an A+? That regular-season loss and a shaky playoff showing against the Navigators exposed moments of inconsistency. Still, this was a season where the Devils lived up to their name: a true menace for anyone in their way. Cascais Crusaders – A− Nearly flawless in the regular season, the Crusaders  stormed through without a single loss. They even shook off an opening scare against the Braga Warriors  to find their rhythm. Built on a young, hungry roster, this was a team with a chip on its shoulder after missing the playoffs last year. The result? A campaign that proved their resilience and growth. Coach Paulo Terrinca  has shaped a clear identity here, with quarterback Matias Manuel  leading from the front and Paulo Alves  terrorizing defenses on the ground. But in the final, their inexperience showed. Against the Lisboa Devils , they couldn’t find a way back, and the 31–15 scoreline left no doubt. A− rather than A+, but this is a team with its future written in bold letters.   Solid Efforts Braga Warriors – B− A team with clear talent on both sides of the ball and a competitive spirit that showed early against the Cascais Crusaders . However, this season didn’t quite live up to last year’s standard. The once-dominant defense that posted multiple shutouts in the past wasn’t as imposing, and while the offense had flashes of quality, it wasn’t enough to carry them deep into the playoffs. Eliminated in the first round, the Warriors  still showed grit and promise. But given the high bar they set in previous years, the expectation was for more consolidation, not a step back.   Lisboa Navigators – C+ Statistically, the best defense in the country — led by MVP defensive lineman José Soares — but paired with an offense that rarely matched the same level. This imbalance defined their year. Despite boasting one of the largest rosters in the league, they too often failed to find an offensive spark when it mattered. A regular season draw against a weakened Salgueiros Renegades side was the first red flag. In the playoffs, their lack of offensive firepower proved fatal. A case study in how even the strongest defense cannot carry a team on its own.   Maia Mutts – C The Mutts embodied grit and togetherness. With quarterback Artur Faria  at the helm, they fought every game with determination, but their thin roster left them stretched thin as the season dragged on. Still, they picked up a notable win against the Lisboa Bulldogs  and came within a single point of upsetting Braga   Warriors  (20–21). A cohesive, hard-fighting team that lacked depth but never lacked heart.   Struggles in Class Salgueiros Renegades – D On paper, a solid squad with quality players. But when QB Francisco Pereira  went down injured, the offense collapsed. Their total dependence on their QB1 — a common issue in Portuguese football — left them one-dimensional and powerless in too many games. From a playoff team last season to just one win this year, it was a frustrating campaign. Without offensive alternatives, the Renegades slipped down the ladder, struggling to find their way back to form.   Lisboa Bulldogs – F Talent? Absolutely. With players like RB Pedro Monteiro  and DBs Silvânio Semedo  and Roberto Tavares , the Bulldogs had individuals capable of shining. And at times, they did, putting up 24 points against the Cascais Crusaders  was proof of their potential. But the problem was never talent, it was organization. Without team culture or structure, those flashes were isolated and unsustainable. Missing the playoffs and after a loss to the Maia Mutts , the Bulldogs  ended up at the bottom of the standings. A wasted season that showed what they could  be, but never quite were.   In summary The Devils and Crusaders  remain the standard-bearers, while the Navigators and Warriors  hover in the middle tier. The Mutts and Renegades  fought but lacked depth and balance, and the Bulldogs  brought individual flair without team identity. Portuguese football continues to grow, but the exam papers show clear lessons for next year’s class.

The teams still standing in this incredible postseason weren’t just playing football, they were battling with heart, resilience, and sheer determination, each moment fueled by the dream of keeping their season alive. Every drive, every play, and every hit carried the weight of their ambitions, as they fought to make sure they would earn the right to step onto the grandest stage of them all: the ELF Championship Game . Nordic Storm @ Vienna Vikings It was genuinely difficult to predict who would gain the upper hand, given how impressive both teams had looked at different moments throughout the season. At times, each side had seemed capable of taking down anyone in the league, which made this clash feel like it could swing either way. Yet, just as the regular season had exposed their strengths, the postseason once again highlighted their flaws. Many of the weaknesses that had been pointed out during the Wild Card weekend were still on full display here, reminding us that in playoff football, consistency is often as important as talent. To kick things off, the Nordic Storm struck first. A sharp connection between quarterback and receiver led to Simon Foens making a crucial grab before muscling through defenders for an additional five or six yards after the catch. That extra effort pushed the ball across the line and set the tone for a potentially explosive matchup. But the Vikings wasted no time in responding. On the very next drive, they orchestrated a methodical march down the field, capped off by a one-yard rushing touchdown from Karri Pajarinen, immediately silencing any Storm momentum and proving that they were not here to play catch-up. The real issue for the Storm quickly became clear: their game plan was unbalanced. Throughout the contest, they barely used their running backs in any meaningful way, choosing instead to rely almost exclusively on the passing game. That one-dimensional approach might have kept them competitive on the scoreboard, but it ultimately made them predictable. Once the Vikings defense adjusted, they were able to anticipate routes, close gaps, and punish mistakes. Jadrian Clark, usually reliable, was intercepted twice, costly turnovers that tilted the balance. Still, credit where it’s due: the Storm’s offense had moments of brilliance. Receivers like Foens, Beaulieu, and Botella all contributed important plays, showcasing their athleticism and ability to keep drives alive. But while flashes of individual talent kept the game within reach, it was not enough to overcome the collective strength and structure of the Vikings. In the end, the Vikings controlled the tempo for most of the game. Even though they struggled to truly extend their lead and put the contest out of reach, they always seemed to be a step ahead. Their balance on both sides of the ball, paired with discipline in execution, allowed them to dictate how the game unfolded. Most notably, quarterback Ben Holmes looked nothing short of spectacular. His command of the offense, his accuracy under pressure, and his poise in big moments underscored why he is now widely regarded as the clear front-runner for the ELF MVP award. Stuttgart Surge @ Munich Ravens That matchup was nothing short of electric, a clash between two of the very best teams in the league. It was also one of the most balanced games we could imagine, both sides had the tools, the talent, and the momentum to win. From the opening whistle, it felt like every snap carried the weight of a season’s worth of ambition. Right from the start, the quarterbacks set the tone. Surge’s Reilly Hennessey was the first to strike, punching in a rushing touchdown to ignite his sideline. Yet almost immediately, Ravens’ QB Russell Tabor answered back with a score of his own on the ground, as if to say: “I’m here too, and you’d better be ready.”  That exchange promised a shootout between two fearless leaders, and for a brief moment, it seemed like this battle could go the distance. But as the game wore on, things got complicated for Tabor. While he showcased his athleticism with an incredible 108 rushing yards and two touchdowns, his passing game faltered badly, falling below 50% completion. His struggles were magnified by an offensive line that simply couldn’t contain the relentless Surge pass rush. Seven sacks later, it was clear that protection was breaking down, and every dropback became a gamble. The Ravens’ offense, dynamic on the ground, never found a steady rhythm through the air, and that imbalance proved costly. Meanwhile, the Surge refused to look back after their hot start. They seized the momentum, piling pressure on the Ravens and crushing their hopes of a finals berth. Despite being intercepted once in the end zone, Hennessey’s performance was masterful. His ball placement was razor-sharp, his throws under pressure almost unreal, and his composure unwavering. He looked every bit the sniper his team needed, shocking defenses with precision and leading by example. With Harley Jr. and Geyer stepping up to provide crucial support, the Surge offense kept the chains moving and the Ravens defense stretched thin. But what truly ensured victory was the Surge defense rising to the occasion when it mattered most. Every time the Ravens hinted at a comeback, the defense slammed the door shut. The defining moment came in the final quarter, when Wenzler stepped in front of a Tabor pass at just the right time, snagging the interception that all but sealed the game. That single play embodied the Surge’s resilience: opportunistic, disciplined, and ruthless. In the end, the Surge didn’t just win, they made a statement. Against one of the strongest teams in the league, they showed balance, composure, and an ability to capitalize when it mattered most. For the Ravens, it was a bitter ending to a season of promise. For the Surge, it was proof that they belong on the biggest stage.As the dust settled on these thrilling ELF semifinals, one thing was clear: the road to the Championship Game is never easy. Both matches showcased the perfect mix of talent, strategy, and determination, with teams leaving everything on the field. The Vikings and the Surge proved why they belong among the elite, combining skill, resilience, and leadership to secure their spots in the final. For fans, it was a reminder of why postseason football is so captivating, every play matters, every decision counts, and the difference between victory and defeat can be razor-thin. Now, all eyes turn to the ELF Championship, where two teams, forged in battle and tested under pressure, will fight for ultimate glory. One stage, one game, and a whole season of dreams hanging in the balance. What about the Championship Game u? The two best teams in Europe are set to clash in what promises to be the most thrilling game of the year. Every detail points toward a battle at the highest level, where the Surge’s rock-solid defense will meet the Vikings’ explosive offense. It is the kind of matchup that fans dream about, one that could be decided by the smallest of margins. At the heart of the showdown, two quarterbacks will carry the weight of their teams’ hopes. Both Ben Holmes and Reilly Hennessey will be under the spotlight, each determined to grab the win and prove his leadership on the biggest stage. The question remains: who will rise above the pressure, who will guide his team with authority, and who is truly ready to etch his name in the history books in golden letters?

OSLO VIKINGS RETURN … TO NORWAY! After two years in Sweden , the former norwegian serial champions have announced their return to their home country.In their first year in Superserien , the Vikings (surprinsingly) reached the Semis where they lost to the later champion Carlstad Crusaders and fielded the Leagues MVP in Linebacker Will Sewell Jr . Though after the departure of former HC Derek Mann they couldn’t replicate the success of their inaugural season in 2025! Now they will return to Norway , where their throne has been vacant for the last two seasons and is currently occupied by the Vålerenga Trolls ! Best of luck, Oslo Vikings , it was a blast. GÖTEBORG JOINS SUPERSERIEN The Giants are back to back to back Champions of the swedish third and second division (twice) and claim their right of promotion to Sweden’s highest tier of American football. It will be interesting to see how a completely restructured Giants program (the last competed in Superserien as the Marvels ) will stack up against the established competition of Sweden’s top American Football teams. MEAN MACHINES REBUILD WITH FAMILIAR FACES The former champion from Stockholm has already made some key announcements for their 2026 season. HC Fredrik Pilbäck , OC Acke Grünewald , DL Coach Henrik Green and DB Coach Isak Malm all stay on board of the Mean Machines project. A great sign for Stockholm who now have time to recruit players with their coaching staff already (somewhat) established.It is noteworthy though, that Malm , who formerly served as the DC is only re-signed as a DB Coach and not a Coordinator, which leaves room to speculate who is gonna fill that void in the upcoming season. SWE3 ANNOUNCES WOMEN’S TACKLE NATIONAL TEAM The Swedish Federation will once again field a women’s tackle national team in the foreseeable future, with a first camp taking place in November already. It’s great to see the game grow in so many different ways in Scandinavia.

A new chapter for American football in Germany is unfolding at Taufkirchen . Designed to help young athletes improve their skills, gain knowledge, and experience true player development, this camp brings together passion, structure, and opportunity in one of Bavaria’s fastest-growing sports communities. Why Taufkirchen? The Sports Park Freiham  has earned a strong reputation within the German football community. The area is modern, vibrant, and filled with restaurants, shops, and open spaces yet it remains free from the heavy traffic of central Munich. Located just west of the city, Freiham offers the perfect balance between accessibility and focus. The venue itself is spacious and versatile. It features multiple soccer fields, basketball courts, a swimming hall, skate park, sand volleyball courts, and a large indoor gymnasium. Most importantly, the American football field is a high-quality turf surface, equipped with goalposts and wide sidelines that provide room for both players and spectators. Freiham has already hosted major events, including the NFL Academy  and IMG Academy  games and tryouts, as well as local competitions with the Munich Rangers . This established reputation made it a natural choice for hosting a developmental football camp. Facilities and Athlete Experience For this first edition of the camp, the turf field will be the main area used for all activities. The organizers are focused on delivering a professional yet educational experience, providing athletes with water, camp shirts, and all necessary equipment. As the camp grows, future editions plan to expand access to more of the facility’s amenities, including recovery and indoor training areas. Partnerships and Local Support The camp is built on strong local partnerships, including collaborations with the Munich Ravens (ELF)  and Y.E.E Munich (Young Elite Excellence) . These relationships strengthen the camp’s connection to the regional football community and help create pathways for young athletes aiming to reach higher levels of competition. Why Germany? Germany continues to be one of Europe’s leaders in developing American football talent. With BAFA (Bavarian American Football Academy)  operating out of Munich, the region is already a central hub for the sport’s growth. The camp’s mission aligns perfectly with this environment, aiming to make Bavarian football  stronger and more competitive while providing high-quality teaching and exposure opportunities. Motivation Behind the Camp The idea for the camp began with a simple observation. During a local tryout, the organizer noticed that many young players, ages 15 to 19, were unfamiliar with proper techniques for combine drills. After offering quick guidance, those same players improved noticeably, catching the attention of scouts from NFL Academy and IMG Academy. This experience revealed a clear need: structured teaching camps where youth players can learn how to train, move, and perform like high-level athletes. The camp was created to fill that gap. Learning and Development Focus The camp’s goal is not only to test athletic ability but also to teach . Every participant will receive official times and have their drills recorded, giving them a chance to review their performance and identify ways to improve. The program includes individual positional training, one-on-one matchups, and 7v7 sessions, all designed to develop both technical skills and football intelligence. Ultimately, the organizers want players to leave the camp feeling more confident and prepared, carrying with them the mindset of “ Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready .” Coaching and Participants The camp is open to players between ages 15 and 19 , from newcomers with basic knowledge to experienced athletes seeking improvement. Unlike regular team practices that focus on plays and systems, the camp’s approach emphasizes player development , building movement, discipline, and understanding of the game from the ground up. Coaches and players from the Munich Ravens  and other Bavarian clubs will join as guest instructors, bringing both expertise and inspiration to the participants. Looking Ahead As the camp grows, the vision is to make it an annual event  in Bavaria, one that continues to raise the level of football in the region. By helping young athletes learn, compete, and share their knowledge, this camp aims to strengthen not only individual players but the entire German football community.

Division One: Redemption’s Roar? When it comes to the Southern Division One leagues, the South stands out as the one that will be the most hotly contested, with the Hertfordshire Hurricanes and Oxford Lancers both gunning for glory in the Division that has been their home for a while but the additions of Oxford Brookes fresh off their Division 2 Southern Championship last year and former Premiership side in the University of East Anglia ( UEA ) Pirates making the move from the South East division into a spicy Southern, where everyone but Oxford Brookes have competed for the National Championship in their clubs lineage. Though the fifth team in the Southern 1 may be the one to keep your eyes on. The Birmingham Lions , a stalwart of the Premiership , seemingly immovable from their position in the Prem, now reside in Division 1 . In my humble opinion, the Lions have the legacy and the team numbers to be a favourite to bounce straight back up. Though it won’t be easy in this insanely tough division. A key matchup to look out for is the pair of rematches from the 2011/12 & 12/13 National Championship games when the Lions take on the Hurricanes . Bridesmaid Bobcats: Every single year could have been the Bournemouth University Bobcats ' year since they made the jump up from Division Two in the 21/22 season. Making it all the way to being a single game away in the team’s first-ever season in Division One , going 7-1, losing to the Exeter Demons in the regular season and Portsmouth in the Semi Finals, promoting the Destroyers . In the 23/24 season, the Bobcats fell to their apparent kryptonite in the Exeter Demons three times, twice in the regular season and once in the playoffs, eliminating the Bobcats from promotion once again. Last year, the Bobcats were perfect going into the Semi-Finals, though so was their opponent, the Brunel Burners . Both teams are looking to give their club their first-ever Premiership Berth. In a tight contest in Bournemouth, the Burners sent the Bobcats’ hopes crashing and ironically burning. This season, with their social media posts alight with impressive football talent such as Ollie Williams , out of Wisconsin-Oshkosh , joining the fray, with the hope that Bournemouth can finally get over the line and take their place in the Premiership . New Name, Who Dis? There are a few similarities between the former UCLan Rams , the current University of Lancashire Rams , and the Bournemouth Uni Bobcats , in that expectations going into last season were astronomically high, promotion or bust style situations. The Rams had something that the Bobcats didn’t have to deal with, though, the Northumbria Mustangs . A matchup that had Uniball fans worldwide (I assume there are some outside the U.K.) in the previous season sweating with anticipation was taken away from us after the Rams ’ unexpected early exit from the playoffs. With both teams in the Northern 1 last year, we were treated to two meetings, though they contained a strange narrative. The Mustangs won the first game at home 28-13, and in order to take first place in the Northern 1 , the Rams would have to beat the Mustangs by 16. On a temperate day in Preston , the Rams were able to pick up the victory over a Mustangs team without their star player, Aaron Aucoin , though only by a margin of 13. When the final whistle was blown, there was a strange silence over both teams as the Rams knew the divisional title was out of their reach. Entering the playoffs, a third meeting between the Mustangs and Rams was speculated; however, a shocking first-round exit eliminated Lancashire as the Stirling Clansmen advanced. Promotion is the aim for the Rams , and they are one of the teams to beat. Although Lancashire have struggled in the post-season, they are still favourites for a ticket to Loughborough come March. Knight Time: The Edinburgh Napier Knights have always been poised for greatness, just a few key pieces away from continuing the tradition of elite Uniball teams to come out of Scotland , and last year, they grabbed that potential by the throat and were just a single game away from being the first Scottish team in the Premiership since the 22/23 season. Going a perfect 7-0 last season, finishing with a +143 differential, beating former National Champions in the Stirling Clansmen 34-12 and 28-13 en route to the playoffs. Defeating rivals in the Edinburgh Mavericks and Stirling Clansmen in the playoffs, the promotion game was set: the Knights vs the Mustangs . And Napier just couldn’t hold off the stampeding Northumbria , losing 32-12. With how tough and chaotic the Scottish 1 is, Napier being able to improve from 3-3 to 7-0 and one game away from Promotion, you have to think momentum is on their side as they want to go back to the post-season but this time add some Scottish flair to the Premiership North . Division Two Northern: The three leagues that make up the Northern 2 divisions all have a degree of uncertainty about them when it comes to who will claim promotion by winning the division, so let’s start with the North East . On paper, this one looks the most cut and dry. The York Centurions have been just a step behind teams over the last two seasons, with the Northumbria Mustangs and the Sheffield Sabres being able to keep the Centurions away from promotion, though York still competed and made the playoffs. With how the last few seasons have turned out for the Hull Sharks , finishing in last place in the Midlands 1 last season after being moved from the Northern 1 , where they finished 3-5 the year prior, after back-to-back 2-6 seasons. Normally, I try to be positive for teams that have just come down, but I just can’t see it for the Hull Sharks . Where the North East 2 has some intrigue is in the dark horse. The Sunderland Spartans have come back, revamped and reloaded, with players joining the 300 from across the seas. The Spartans ' playoff run last year may give them the momentum to take the North East 2 away from the expected winners in York . North West: Now this is the biggest roll of the dice when it comes to picking a divisional winner, although the teams will only be playing four games each, that won’t matter when the season ends and someone is promoted. Let’s start with the relegated. The Liverpool John Moores University Fury have come back down to Division 2 , which, in my opinion, was a bit of a surprise, being able to hang with the D1 talent over the last few years finally ran out for LJMU finishing without a win last season. The Lancaster Bombers last year were my lock to win the Division. I normally don’t make predictions so bold, but for me, they truly were the biggest favourite to take their division, even over the Bullets . How wrong I was, losing to the Edge Hill Vikings twice and keeping themselves in D2 was a shocker for me. I still think that the Bombers have the team to go up, though this year, I’d argue is a tougher proposition to get promoted. Not since 2021 has a debut been so anticipated. The Salford Storm finally enter official BUCS Football , and they come in highly touted, with coaches and players from Britball teams such as the Premiership Manchester Titans and Division Two Lancashire Buccaneers , and all of them have eyes for play-offs at the very least. Midlands 2: With the Derby Braves ’ conquest back up to D1 at an end, the Midlands 2 is much like the other Northern Divisions , wide open. The Coventry Uni Jets FINALLY make their way down to Division 2 after a calamitous few years, which saw them finish in last place twice, and since 2021 have a record of 5-25-1. Though if you saw them last season, it would be fraudulent to admit that the Coventry Uni Jets didn’t have something good cooking up in Cov, taking teams like the Nottingham Green to the limit. I’ve said this for a few years now: relegation can be a good thing, as the Jets have needed to go down for a few years now, just to regroup and find the form that made them a real threat in Uniball all those years ago. Though a division without the Nottingham Green or Derby Braves , will finally be the time for the Lincoln Colonials to make it to Division 1 for the first time in the team's history? Lincoln has made the playoffs the last few years, though not to any championship success. It’s a lot of pressure to say it’s now or never, but the door is certainly more open for them than it has been the last few seasons. Division 2 South: The Southern arm of D2, I’d argue, is less open, with both the South West and South East having a clear frontrunner, whilst the South has three teams that could get promoted up to D1 and no one would bat an eyelid, so let's make like the Pet Shop Boys and Go West! South West 2: Last season was poised to be the time for the UWE Bullets 2s to emulate Nottingham Green and secure promotion for the two top teams in all of Uniball ’s second teams into Division One . Although the Plymouth Blitz put an early spanner in the works, taking a 19-16 victory away from UWE , which ultimately cost the UWE 2s their promotion dreams, as the Blitz finished with a perfect 5-0 and the Bullets 4-1. This season looks good for the 2s, as although the last time Swansea Titans came down they bounced straight back up, last season the Titans only managed to score 2 points in their 0-8 24/25 campaign. Aberystwyth could prove to be a threat, but given the Bullets beat them 38-9 last season, if UWE can survive the long travel to Aberystwyth , then it should be grand for UWE . Worcester is going into this season confident, though I just cannot see the Royals or anyone else in that division stopping UWE this season. South East: The South East 2 was an odd one last year, as the now-promoted Kingston Cougars seemed almost a lock to finish the season undefeated and stare down a D2 Southern Championship , but post the Christmas break, the scorelines for Kingston started to fall apart. Leaving the QMBL Vipers , hoping that they’d slip up twice and the Vipers would find themselves in D1 . But Kingston went up, and now the Vipers are ready to strike. Making the playoffs last year with a 5-1 record and beating the UWE Bullets 2s in the first round of the playoffs, it puts QMBL in the promotion spotlight going into this season. Though they’ll have to contend with an old foe in the Essex Blades . Making their way down to D2 after a winless season last year. The Blades have made it known that they do not intend to stay in D2 very long, and given the battles the Blades and Vipers did when both teams were in D1 years ago, the two clashes between QMBL and Essex will both be pivotal for who will be playing D1 next season. Southern 2: Now this is a division full of intrigue and solid squads all hunting promotion, though there can only be one. The Reading Knights last season ended it winless, causing their relegation but close games with Brighton , Hertfordshire and the now Premiership Brunel Burners shows that something is cooking in Reading and given the size of their squad last year who all now have a season of D1 football under their belt, as the Knights look to take it back to the 2022/23 season and bounce straight back up to Division 1 . The Surrey Stingers have been a team touted to return to D1 since their relegation at the end of the 21/22 season. Though, as you can tell by them still being in D2 , the Stingers have not reached the potential many believe they have. Going 3-2 last year, losing only to the Saxons and Oxford Brookes , the Stingers want to get out of this role of gatekeeper, and they’ll be able to make an impact on November 23rd when they take on Sussex . Speaking of Sussex , the Saxons are a team that has been impressive and just a hair away from going back up to Division 1 , though this year it could very well be the year of the Saxon . Last season, the Saxons went 4-1, losing only to Oxford Brookes , the eventual winners of the Division 2 Southern championship. The season before that, Sussex went 4-1 again, not allowing a point until their final regular season game versus Brighton , which allowed the Panthers to get promoted. The Saxons now find themselves as the big dog in the Southern 2 , and every game they play should be sure to draw interest, but given their showdown with the Reading Knights is on the final week of the regular season on the 15th of February, there’ll be no love lost, as it could be a win-and-in game.

The landscape of British University American Football is one in constant flux, as players come and go through graduation or moving universities, teams rise and fall, and there is always a story to be told about every team that takes part in what we call Uniball . My name is Chris Tebbutt , or if you know me from the British American Football world, Tebbs , and I have been covering the glorious sport of Uniball for half a decade now, and these are the top narratives to follow come the 2025/26 Uniball Season . National Premiership: The Reign of Bullets When it comes to British University American Football , there is one team that is synonymous with the Sport and that is the University of the West of England Bullets , or UWE for short. Since the turn of the decade, they have run roughshod over Uniball , winning the top divisions prize every year since 2022, and this year they are going for the five-peat and their sixth national championship overall. As it stands, the Bullets have unleashed a hail of new signees, with ex-NFL Talent such as Chris Murray and ELF Stars such as Tony Anderson and Marloshawn Franklin Jr. from the Rhein Fire . Ethan Gretzinger , the MVP of the Britbowl , Bristol Aztecs Quarterback out of California, will begin his second year with the Bullets after sitting behind Donovan Isim last season. Also, Tight End Quinten Wimmer will join back up with Gretzinger after they played together at Pomona-Pitzer College in California , and Wimmer hasn’t played a snap for UWE yet, but has already lit up Britball , winning the MVP for the Elite 5 ’s tournament. The Bullets have also reloaded their staff with Frankie Pankhurst stepping down from a title-clad run as OC for the Bullets . UWE have found a replacement in their former QB and current Quarterback of the Nordic Storm , Jadrian Clark , to take over duties at OC . Although they did suffer their first loss at home in numerous seasons last year to the Nottingham Gold , the Bullets once again look unstoppable and to bet against them making an appearance at BUCS Big Wednesday for the finals seems very, very foolish. The Band of Brotherhood Leeds Beckett has been on a strange trajectory the last few years. Going from being considered one of the top 2-3 teams in the country to being another team's choice not to play a promotion/relegation gam, away from being removed from the top flight of Uniball . Going 0-8 and having the displeasure of being on the receiving end of a triple-digit score versus the Bullets , it looked as though Leeds Beckett ’s time under the bright lights was over. But SGS Pride refusing to play in the Promotion/Relegation game after winning the Premiership last year has given LB a new lease on life, and they are grabbing it with both hands. Premiership: The Great Wide North: With the National Premiership expansion calling up four Northern Premiership teams in its initial season last year, the Northern Premiership contingent took on a whole new form, with only the Nottingham Trent Renegades earning their place in the division through conventional means. With the Leeds Gryphons , Liverpool Raptors , Warwick Wolves and Newcastle Raiders all getting pulled up, it made attempting to predict the winner of the division extremely difficult, with the Leeds Gryphons ending up being the pre-season choice. Though seemingly out of nowhere, the Warwick Wolves , who had a history of being a solid team but being the bridesmaid and never the bride, finishing behind teams like NTU and Loughborough , though always in the playoffs. Finishing 5-3 in the Midlands 1 in the 23/24 season to finishing 7-1 in the Premiership North was a massive jump up. With scintillatingly tricky play from QB Pedro Rosselli & RB Edward Kyere dreamt up by BUCS Head Coach of the Year, Geoff Williams . The Wolves made it all the way to the final in a losing effort to the SGS Pride . But it does beg the question, can Wolves do it all over again this year? Leeds are entering this season with a new Head Coach, whilst the Renegades , I believe, could be the true dark horse of this division. Joining the fray are the Northumbria Mustangs , fresh off two promotions in two seasons, though their star Swiss Army Knife player, Aaron Aucoin , has headed back to Colorado , and it will be interesting to see if they can keep the same form entering the Premiership . All of these words about this division, and I still haven’t got a clue who is the favourite for the Premiership North . Burn in their light It was a hard, almost decade-long journey for the Brunel Burners to finally reach the Premiership . Seven seasons in a row, the Brunel Burners made the playoffs in Division One each time, resulting in heartbreak for the London -based side. Year after year, the question was asked of the Burners . “When will you get out of this division?” Then last year, under first-year Head Coach James Kelvin , the Burners finally pushed through and claimed their spot in the Premiership in a big victory over the Bournemouth Uni Bobcats in the Southern Semi-Final before putting the cherry on top of the cake, winning Division 1 , defeating the Northumbria Mustangs at BUCS Big Wednesday . Although they had an undefeated fairytale season last year, it begs the question: can the Burners thrive at heights the team has never seen before? On the field, the Brunel Burners have some outstanding players. Quarterback Christian Dzulynsky from Chicago , Illnois , returns to be under center for the Burners , along with Running Back David Moore III , who holds the second highest rusher in Colorado High School history, will be joining a diabolical offensive attack this season. Luckily, we do not have to wait a long time to see just how the Brunel Burners will do in their first ever season in the Premiership , as they’ll be one of the four teams playing in week one of the Uniball season, as they take on the juggernaut of the Portsmouth Destroyers . Thankfully, it will be livestreamed on DepthChartSports . To Live & Die in Cardiff Last season was historic for the Cardiff Cobras , managing to stave off relegation after two seasons of finishing in the relegation position but being saved due to the UEA Pirates taking voluntary relegation and the UWE Bullets being promoted to the National Premiership . Last season, the Cobras saved themselves from relegation and secured their spot in the playoffs with big wins over the Portsmouth Destroyers and the now-relegated Birmingham Lions , ultimately losing to the Warwick Wolves . The question now becomes, can the Cobras build on that season? The Southern Premiership does not have a weak link in it, but the fan-favourite Cobras are once again the favourite to face relegation. A notion helped as their starting QB, Kieran McGill , graduated after last season. We hear through the grapevine that Bristol Aztecs QB, Louis Benzey , will be taking over from McGill and will be reunited with WR and Kicker Oli Luck in Cardiff . Benzey should be delighted as WR Sam Harvey is back with the Cobras , and given his play last year, he will be a difference maker for a side that wants to be removed from the relegation conversation.

SM FINAL 2026 IN CARLSTAD In 2026, the Superserien final (SM Final) will once again be played in Sola Arena in Carlstad ! As the swedish federation, SWE3 , announced, the Crusaders home town has won the bid for the second year running for hosting both the men’s and women’s finals. With the Crusaders being reigning back-to-back champions in both leagues, it will for sure be an advantage to have home field advantage should they make it that far. MEAN MACHINES BRING BACK QB DAWSON HERL The Mean Machines have made a huge splash as they announced the re-signing of QB Dawson Herl ! The former D-III signal caller arrived to Sweden with a bang last year as he was leading the league in all important Quarterback categories, including passing yards, touchdowns, completion percentage while having no interception up until week 5 where he unfortunately went down with a season-ending injury in the Mean Machines CEFL quarterfinals clash with the Warsaw Eagles from Poland . Now, with Herl being reunited with OC Acke Grünewald and one of the league’s best receiving cores, it will be interesting to see whether or not Stockholm can once again put together a prolific offense that can battle with anyone on any given day. CRUSADERS RECHARGE The reigning champion Carlstad Crusaders has had some turnover within their lines. After the successful extension of HC Christian Forsman , the back-to-back champions announced that Star-QB Slade Jarman is seeking a new adventure and will not return to Sweden in the upcoming season. Jarman joined the Crusaders after a devastating 1-5 campaign in 2023 and led them to two straight championships losing only one game in the process. Big shoes to fill for his potential successor. Filling big shoes is also what new Import LB Eric Bauroth will have to do to replace the retiring Matthias Eriksson and Alex Gudding . Both Linebackers were instrumental to the Crusaders success over the last decade and Eriksson can widely be regarded as one of, if not the best, swedish Linebackers of all time.Four times “LB of the Year”, four times “League Tackle Leader”, 2023 League MVP and 3 Swedish Championships between 2020 and 2025. Not exactly an easy task for the 24-year old german who joins the Crusaders from the SWARCO Raiders Tirol in the AFL , where he finished second in the league with 86 combined tackles. TYRESÖ ANNOUNCES HC JEMIDE & HAGLIND Last year’s runner up has announced that HC Noghor Jemide will return for the 2026 season. Alongside him will be Carl Haglind , who comes back from a multiple-year hiatus in professional american football. Though it is still unclear what roles they will each occupy, it seems like a smart and logical step for the Stockholm -based Royal Crows , since Jemide has also suited up to play on their Defensive Line for a couple of games last season. Having a full time coach on the sidelines during the games could be a massive improvement for the talented Royal Crowns team, who will have their eyes set and yet another SM final after the 2025 loss to Carlstad .

After two years, the European Championship comes to a close with the first ever Final Four in Germany . The home team, after ten years, will host a huge event in continental Tackle Football, coming back after a ban arrived as a result of problems with the old IFAF management. They will face Austria , the defending champions and the favourites to win it all. In the other semifinal, Finland , the National Team with more continental wins than any other country, will face Italy , champions in 2021 and third in 2023, confirming themselves as a powerhouse of American Football after the 2020 stoppage. Krefeld , a city in North-Rhine / Westphalia , the most populated land of Germany , will be the stage of this huge date with history in European Football. Germany: Ten years in the making Ten years ago, Germany was one of the best teams in American Football in our continent. They were the defending champions after beating Austria in 2014 (30-27 in Vienna ), getting their third title, the second in a row, but then, things with IFAF , then divided in two between Paris and New York , went south. After being excluded in 2018, not participating in 2021 and winning the Group B Euros in 2023, the Men in Black were back in business, and it showed during last year’s group phase, winning big against Great Britain (49-11) and Sweden (42-6), coming back to the semis for the first time in eleven years. Stuttgart Surge QB2 Lars Heidrich will take the duties on offense with a great core of receivers ready to battle on the field against the best defenders in Europe . Another player to watch is Roman Wahrheit , a former Ottawa RedBlacks and Munich Ravens OL, as he will come out of retirement to play in the Final Four with the German National Team . DL Berend Grube , a former ELF All Star in 2021, will strengthen a defensive line that will have to work twice as hard against three of the best offenses on the continent with the help of some strong Linebackers, like the Seifert Brothers , Luca and Paul . Former Schwabisch Hall Unicorns HC Christian Rothe , arrived to replace Shuah Fatah , who returned to ELF in the middle of some disagreements between the German federation and the European League, will have a very big task ahead of him, that of bringing Germany back to the top of European Tackle Football again. Austria: Can they go back to back? After years of losing finals and suffering at senior level, Austria has finally done it by winning the final against Finland in 2023, winning their first title in National Team’s long history. After losing in 2014 and 2018, the Red and White side, also thanks to their great Under 19 generation, eight junior titles and counting, has made history, but they are back for more. Austria has dominated their group, conceiding only three points during the first phase and winning against Hungary (58-3) and Serbia (78-0) in dominating fashion. The offense can count on Nico Hrouda , Vikings QB in ELF this year after some years in the Austrian Football League gaining the MVP Trophy in 2024, on Fabian Eder , a promising WR from Vienna , but mostly on the returning Sandro Platzgummer , as he will wear the red and white jersey for the first time since Autumn 2024, when it was announced his return in the National Team. The best defense of the tournament doesn’t need presentations, as a huge shoutout goes to all of the players involved. The question remains clear: Can they keep it up in this Final Four ? Max Sommer , the Head Coach of the Austrian National Team , was on the sideline as the RB Coach the last time they faced Germany , but things are different now and Austria will try its best to go back to back and write more history. Italy: A blue sky spiral in the grey For the third time in a row, Italy will battle for the European Championship in Tackle Football, demonstrating themselves as a solid team when it comes to deciding moments. After a Championship in 2021 and a third place in 2023, the Blue Team will try to continue their good streak. After a big win in Switzerland (45-0), the Azzurri suffered against Denmark in Milan , but a TD at the siren have them a 28-27 win, the first place in their group and the opportunity to fight for the European title. Some of the players that won the Flag Football European Championship in Paris will also play in this Final Four . Luke Zahradka , a former Dolphins Ancona , Seamen Milano and Frankfurt Galaxy QB now playing for Frogs Legnano and MVP of the french tournament, will be the main threat for opposing teams, just like Tamsir Seck , who has played for both Rhinos Milano and Hamburg Sea Devils this year, on the running side and Panthers ’ Simone Alinovi , MVP of the National Flag Football Champioship, and Jordan Bouah , a veteran in European Football, on the receiving one. On the defensive side of the ball, one of the best players of the 2025 season, Andrea Fantin ( Aquile Ferrara ), first in Interceptions in the Italian Football League , will wear the Blue shirt just like his teammate Diego Rinaldi . There will be some Import Players and former IFL players that will play for the Italian National Team , like Ryan Minniti , former Panthers player now in Germany with Potsdam Royals , or Guelfi Firenze Frankie Stola , who helped the team from Tuscany reaching a perfect season. This will also be the official last dance for some players, like Alessandro Vergani , one of the captains of the team, as he will hang his helmet and shoulder pads after announcing his retirement before winning the ELF title with Stuttgart Surge . Brian Michitti , a former player in Italy and now Panthers Parma Head Coach, will complete his first tournament as the Sideline Director of the Italian national team, and his expectations are high for this one. Finland: Will the legacy continue? The Finnish National Team is the most winning in European Football with five titles under the belt, but their last championship was a long time ago. In fact, twenty five years ago they beat Germany in the final of the Euros played at home, but since then, the nordic team has never managed to come back to glory, falling short twice, in 2001 (19-7 against Germany ) and in 2023 (28-0 against Austria ). Finland finished their adventure in Group B undefeated, managing to beat Czech Republic 28-6 and France 10-9 at home in the last game of the group. Former Kuopio Steelers , Wasa Royals , Potsdam Royals and Prague Lions Safety Peter Lundstrom hasn’t played football for so long after going to the United States trying to get some College Football scholarships, but his quickness and hard hitting core will be important for a team that needs great performances on the defensive side of the ball. With him, Linebacker Timi Nuikka , 2023 Defensive Rookie of The Year in the ELF for the Wroclaw Panthers and this year playing in Vienna with the Vikings losing the Championship Game against the Stuttgart Surge , with a Porvoo Butchers stay in the middle, is another guy to watch out, just like fellow DL Chris Mulumba , ELF Champion this year in Stuttgart , a versatile player who can play multiple roles on defense. On offense, all eyes are on WR Luukas Eerola from Maple League defending champions Porvoo Butchers , one of the best local young talents who has already played against Italy in the Junior Group B European Championship in Bologna , in 2022, with Finland winning the Championship Game 33-23, and on the QB, Ambro Urjansson , from the Helsinki Roosters , one of the most solid players in the land starting for the grandfather team of Finland with great stats during last season, confirming himself as one of the best in the land. First Down Magazine thanks Lukas Geissler , Pasquale Basile , Boris Konovalov and Eric Antler-Bauroth for this preview.

So much has happened in Italian Football during the last month, as the Italian Football League has started its Silly Season and the Blue Team , both in Tackle and in Flag Football, has achieved great successes and points of departure at both youth and senior level. There's as much meat on the fire in this issue as an Easter Monday or August 15th barbecue, so let's not waste any time and get into the third summary of Italian football brought to you by First Down Mag. A little taste of Italy in the 2025 ELF Championship Game In the middle of a hard time for European Football, the Stuttgart Surge have won their first ELF title defeating the Vienna Vikings 24-17. Jordan Bouah , Alessandro Vergani and Giuseppe Della Vecchia , including former Panthers Parma QB Reilly Hennessey and Co-Defensive Coordinator Cody Pastorino , member of the 2021 European Championship roster albeit he never played in the IFL , were the italian members of the Surge roster for this game. Also the Vikings had some italian players on their roster this year, like Matteo Mozzanica , Enzo Mensah , Shadrach Arthur and former Giaguari Torino player Till Pirtle , while Rocco Zucchelli and Andrea Serra were injured and both Pietro Migliori and Kouassi Sahnian N'Guessan were put off the roster. Flag Football Junior Championships: Italy prevails in Innsbruck At the start of September the Junior European Flag Football Championship were disputed in Innsbruck , Austria . Italy has participated in all three tournaments, both the men and womens Under 17 championship and the mixed Under 15 tournament. The women’s Under 17 team has won Gold Medal dominating the Championship Game against Germany with a 53-15 final score. Vittoria Zani and Siria Granelli , both from Lions Bergamo , were nominated MVPs of the tournament under another Lions coach, former QB Davide Rossi , who was the Offensive Coordinator, while Yvonne Guglielmino , captain of the National Women’s Flag Football Team, served as the Defensive Coordinator under HC Enzo Petrillo . The Mixed Under 15 team finished the tournament in fourth place, losing both the semifinal against Germany (46-21) and the Bronze medal game against Spain (27-21), while the men’s Under 17 team has ended their adventure in Austria in sixth place, losing against the host country 33-26. Under 19 European Championship: Italy wins in Padua against Czech Republic Italy has defeated Czech Republic in the last game of the Under 19 Tackle European Championship with a 13-6 final score. Both sides of the ball played well in Padua , as the Defense avoided TDs from the opposing team, who gained some points thanks to a couple of Field Goals scored by Krystof Dolezal from 43 and 42 yards out. First Federico Piva and then Filippo Franco gave the win to the Blue Team , who finishes the Euros in sixth place, in a tournament won by Austria for the eighth consecutive time (34-31 against Sweden at home). This win is a huge taste of fresh air after a decepting first phase, a point of restart for the new course that will start in a few months. Flag Football European Championships: Italy wins gold, qualifies to the World Cup with both teams The European Flag Football Championship disputed in Paris from September 24th-27th has crowned Italy as the men’s tournament champions for the first time in their history. After a 4-1 first phase, winning against Ukraine , Portugal , Norway and Ireland and then losing against Switzerland , the team coached by Massimiliano Bonomo has beaten Israel (41-38), gaining access to the semifinals and the 2026 World Championship in Dusseldorf . After winning against Great Britain (28-22), the Blue Team also defeats Austria 27-19 to win their first Euros in Italian Football history. Luke Zahradka , with four TDs in the Championship Game , has been named MVP of the tournament. The women’s team, with six changes and a new head coach ( Jonathan Douglas Homer ) compared to the team that participated in the World Games in China a month earlier, started thier campaign pretty well winning against Ireland and Denmark , the Azzurre have settled for second place in their group after losing against Germany . After a deceptioning loss against France (48-6), the women’s Blue Team was forced to play in the 5-8th place draw, deciding for the qualification to the 2026 World Cup . After losing against Slovenia (19-13), a last second 18-12 win against Ukraine secured a spot in next year’s tournament at the very last gasp. Two veterans have also announced their retirement to national team involvement after the end of the tournament, as the two captains, Yvonne Guglielmino and Matteo Galante , have decided to retire from international tournaments. Seamen Milano deny any fake news about ELF Football in 2026 Seamen Milano have denied on their social media accounts any voice about playing in the European League of Football in 2026. In a interview released by HALFTIME , Marco Mutti , president of the Blue Navy team, has declared that there is some interest in playing in Europe next year as a new group will enter in the management group, keeping the promises made last year after temporarily leaving the European League of Football , mantaining the senior team, that will play in IFL 2 next year, until the two sides separate over time. Some media accounts covering the European League of Football have made it official after some hours, subsequently deleting all references shortly after as a correction arrived both from the franchise and from the media outlet who issued the statements. So, for now, is uncertain if the Seamen , under their original name or a new one, will come back to European Football next year. Youth season begins: The teams and the dates FIDAF has announced both the teams and the dates of start and end of all their youth championships. There will be four categories on the field (Under 12, 15, 18 and 21). The regular season will start on October 18th and will finish on December 20th, with the finals to be played on the weekend of January 11th. A team, Grizzlies Roma , was presented as a member of the Italian Cup , the Under 21 championship, but later has decided to retire from the tournament. Here's how the youth championship groups are made up this year: Under 12 Daemons Monza e Brianza Dolphins Ancona Frogs Legnano Seamen Milano Warriors Bologna White Tigers Massa Under 15 Group A Lazio Marines Legionari Roma Warriors Bologna Dolphins Ancona Group B Blue Stars Giaguari Torino Blitz Ciriè Frogs Legnano Group C Panthers Parma Seamen Milano Honey Badgers Formigine Rhinos Milano Flag Academy Trieste Under 18 Group A Aquile Ferrara Dolphins Ancona Panthers Parma Warriors Bologna Group B Giaguari Torino Lions Bergamo Seamen Milano Skorpions Varese Group C Guelfi Firenze Lazio Marines Legionari Roma White Tigers Massa Under 21 Aquile Ferrara Blue Storms Busto Arsizio Giaguari Torino Honey Badgers Formigine Lazio Marines Rhinos Milano Trappers Cecina Players and Coaches movements Former Rhinos Milano , Seamen Milano and Frogs Legnano Defensive Lineman Claudio Nicola has announced his retirement from American Football at the age of 34. After starting his career with the now defunct Alessandria Centurions in 2013, he transfered to the black and orange side of Milan until 2019, when he joined the Seamen , playing both in the IFL and in the ELF during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. This year has joined Frogs Legnano with some of his teammates, finishing the 2025 in the Playoff semifinals, losing to the future champions Guelfi Firenze . He has won two titles, in 2016 and in 2019. The 2025 ELF Championship Game was also the last game for a couple of players from Stuttgart Surge who made a great impact in Italian Football. First, QB Reilly Hennessey , who played for Panthers Parma from 2019 to 2021, winning the Italian Bowl in his last year for the emilian team. He was also the backup QB for Luke Zahradka in the 2021 European Championship won in Sweden by the Blue Team , obteining his italian citizenship thanks to his father ancestors. The second player is a true captain and legend of Italian Football, Alessandro Vergani , also known as “Tricheco” (the Walrus). Former Daemons Cernusco , Panthers Parma , Rhinos Milano and Schwabisch Hall Unicorns OL, he was the voice behind so many activities involving the National Tackle Football team and one of the most respected players in the movement. He won the 2016 Italian Bowl with the Rhinos , two German Bowls with the Unicorns and a ELF title with Stuttgart Surge as a player, also including the european title with the national teamin 2021 and the Bronze Medal in 2023 at the Tackle Euros. Cooper Heisey has been announced as the new Head Coach of the Under 21 Lazio Marines team playing in the Italian Cup , reserved to players under the age of 21 years old and with two or less years in practicing American Football. The Offensive Coordinator of the Senior Team and Head Coach of the Rome City Institute team, will continue his tenure as a coach for the blue sky team. The Marines have also announced that Dario Frisicaro and Frank Tedesco will be the Head Coaches for the Under 15 and Under 18 Teams. Stefano Zucchelli has been named as the new Aquile Ferrara Head Coach for the 2026 Italian Football League season. A former Aquile player in the 80s and a coach since 1990 under Mike Wyatt , Zucchelli went through the whole process from the youth team to the first team, and will return as head coach of the Emilia-Romagna team, this time in the top league. Aquile Ferrara , a team that returned last year in the IFL and missed the Playoffs on the last day of the regular season with John Shannon as the Head Coach, has also announced former Seamen Milano player Gianluca Santagostino as their new WR Coach, in addition to Defensive Coordinator Tevin Hanley , who has been confirmed in the same role for next season. FIDAF and Elephants Catania unite in memory of Francesco Aronica Both the Italian Federation of American Football and the Elephants Catania have joined together with various initiatives in memory of the former player Francesco Aronica , who died tragically in mid-August at just 23 years old. In a ceremony held in front of the Benito Paolone stadium , home field of the Sicilian team, two works of art were unveiled, a marble statue and a mural, in memory of their former Wide Receiver. FIDAF has also decided that the MVP Award of the Silver Bowl , the IFL2 Championship Game , will be named after him, keeping alive his memory and connection with American Football. Briganti 82 Napoli play a friendly game in Catalunya Briganti 82 Napoli , a team from Naples, in South Italy, have played a friendly game against the National Team of Catalunya on September 28th in Granollers . The 3rd Division team have faced a side composed mainly by players from teams across the region, losing 42-6 in a historic day for American Football in Spain , as this was the third game in the history of the Catalunian side and the first one since 2014. when they loss against the Netherlands in a special game commemorating the 25th anniversary since the foundation of FCFA . In recent months, the Neapolitan team has been the protagonist of another friendly, this time played at home in May, against Hampden-Sidney College from Virginia . After a 1-5 season in the Nine Football League , Briganti 82 Napoli need to improve in a close environment full of full of teams as aggressive as those from the South, ready to fight to bring the title back to those parts next year.

The Championship Game of the best league in European football wasn’t just a battle for the crown, it was a story of how a nearly unstoppable force fell at the final hurdle. Ladies and gentlemen, for the last time this summer, we gather to talk about our beloved football. So let’s do it justice. Two of the finest teams in Europe faced off, but as we all know, sport can be a cruel affair,  there can only be one winner. From the opening whistle, it felt like a balanced matchup. Both squads came out firing, eager to close this chapter of history with a bang. The first half was largely controlled by the Vienna Vikings . They found the endzone three times, picked off Reilly Hennessey twice, and looked poised to cruise to another championship. But with just 30 seconds left in the half, the tide turned. Thunder struck, and with it, a storm was born. Louis Geyer , who would go on to earn MVP honors, found the endzone, and from that moment on, the game shifted. Ben Holmes and the Vikings ’ offense lost their rhythm. The timing was off. The spark was gone. Drive after drive stalled, the ball was punted away, and even with another Holmes interception, the Surge smelled blood. Backed by a roaring home crowd, Stuttgart ’s defense turned feral. They sacked Vienna ’s quarterback eight times , applying relentless pressure and forcing the Austrian offense to crumble under the weight of expectation. Still, the game wasn’t over. With the score tied, a flash of brilliance, a deep pass caught by Birbaumer , reignited hope for Vienna. But that glimmer was short-lived. Holmes threw a heartbreaking interception in the endzone to close the third quarter, and with that, the nightmare resumed. All Stuttgart had to do was play smart: run the ball, control the clock, and strike when it mattered. Even when Hennessey threw a third interception, the Vikings couldn’t capitalize. The offense simply had no answers. And when Geyer hauled in another sensational catch, the writing was on the wall. Not even a final offensive push or a clever trick play could save the Vikings . And for the third time, Vienna left the championship field without the trophy. This game was the ultimate showcase of the age-old truth: “Offense wins games, but defense wins championships.”  Despite throwing three interceptions, Stuttgart ’s defense delivered one of the most dominant performances in European Championship history. They gave Reilly Hennessey and the Surge offense just enough breathing room to finish the job. In the end, it was pressure, resilience, and grit that crowned the new kings of Europe .