The love of football is continuing to surge internationally.
The Vikings historic double dip of back-to-back International Series games in Dublin and London offered the opportunity for youth in Ireland and the United Kingdom to participate in football clinics.
Minnesota's bleary-eyed travel party arrived in Ireland on the morning of Sept. 26 and immediately bused to the beautiful, sprawling campus of Sport Ireland. As the group wheeled up to the Vikings practice facility for the day, the exuberant welcome by 125 youth clad in purple Vikings T-shirts provided a jolt.
The young people from St. Columba's National School, O'Connell Primary School, Grace Park Educate Together National School and Scoil an tSeachtar Laoch formed a high-five line as players walked out to the field for a wake-up shakeout.
They also participated in an hour-and-a-half clinic in which they were introduced to flag football through multiple skills and drills stations.
Viktor the Viking, Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders and Vikings Legend Ifeadi Odenigbo participated in the clinic.
View photos from the Vikings Youth Football Clinic including a special high-five line with Vikings players, hosted at Hanbury Manor in London, UK.
The following Friday, a few days after the Vikings arrived at Hanbury Manor, nearly 100 students from Brookmans Park Primary School, Cunningham Hill Schools and Oak View Primary and Nursery School formed a high-five line as Vikings took the field for the team's final session in the English countryside of 2025.
Persistent rain didn't prevent the young people from participating in a youth clinic or playing other games with Viktor and Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders. Instead, the students, again clad in Vikings T-shirts, showered enthusiasm for the sport.
James Nicholson, P.E. teacher and flag football club leader at Brookmans Park, is helping spread the understanding of and enthusiasm for American football in the UK.
Nicholson's father-in-law is from Pittsburgh, and he admitted his initial interest was motivated in part by ingratiating himself with his wife's family. He's now a "big NFL fan."
"I wanted to get kids in my school interested in the NFL, and flag is the gateway for that, particularly with it being in the [2028] Olympics and so many NFL games being hosted in London," Nicholson said. "The children got to play some of the games and are seeing the players with their pads and helmets on."
View photos from the Vikings Youth Flag Football Clinic which brought together 10 local schools from the United Kingdom.
Planting and Growing a Flag League
Additionally in the UK, the Vikings continued to support the growth of flag football in Newcastle, a community that has enthusiastically embraced the outreach by the Vikings and proudly serves as the home of the Newcastle Vikings, a member of the BAFA (British American Football Association) National Leagues since 2015.
Ten area schools have formed flag football teams to participate in a six-week season.
A celebratory launch day occurred on Oct. 1 and included photo stations, a combine experience with prizing, a skills clinic and league games.
"The Vikings are dedicated to breaking down barriers so more kids can experience the game of football around the world," Vikings Director of Youth & High School Football Joe Rush said. "The enthusiasm from the Newcastle Flag League demonstrates the powerful effect that access to resources and structured programs can have on both young athletes and their communities. Supporting initiatives like this reflects the Vikings ongoing commitment to inspiring the next generation and making the game accessible for all."
