American football is growing worldwide and the eastern European nation of Hungary has definitely caught the fever. When weather prevents outdoor games and there is no convenient indoor stadium, a high school gymnasium floor will do just fine – in full pads.
Although Hungary is not the only country to stage tackle football on hard indoor gym floors, it would seem to be among the most enthusiastic.
Recently, in the city of Debrecen, an eight-team 7 on 7 tournament was held over the course of one day. The various clubs who normally play in the outdoor Hungarian 11 man league put together teams to compete in this first annual tournament.
The Hajdúszoboszló Rhinos, Debrecen Gladiators, Miskolc Renegades, Expendables, Eger Bulls, MEAFC Lions, Szeged Bats, Berény-Sport Wolverines all played throughout the day for indoor supremacy in front of packed crowds.
The final saw the Debrecen Gladiators and Szeged Bats battle it out with the Bats coming out on top 7-2.
The tournament was a resounding success for participants and fans alike it seems. Demeter Ádám, one of the coaches of the winning Bats, who also plays for the HFL Budapest Cowbells, said that they are really happy for the win but disappointed that one of their players, running back Lövi Ákos, who was also named tournament MVP, suffered a serious lower leg injury late in the final game.
Organizers were happy with both the feedback from players and coaches as well as the crowd turnout. Next year plans are already underway to hold the tournament in the town of Hajdúszoboszló.
The original Hungarian story appeared in the Szoboszló Sound.