LIVESTREAM IFAF Men’s EC: Netherlands @ Ireland, Oct. 19. 17:00 CET (5 pm, 11 am EDT)
Team Netherlands, aka the Dutch Lions, travel to Ireland to face the Irish Wolfhounds in the opening game of the tier 2 2024/2025 IFAF Men’s European Championship Saturday, October 19.
Competing at Level 2 with promotion to the top flight the target for Ireland, the Netherlands and Turkey, whose campaign begins this Saturday, October 19.
Ireland have been preparing for the upcoming Euros at the National Sports Campus in Blanchardstown and their ranks include an influx of players from the nation’s U19 team that recently played against Great Britain at the Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT) as part of the annual Aer Lingus College Football Classic played annually in Dublin.
Team Ireland head coach Ciaran O’Sullivan:
“The growth in the Wolfhounds player group is reflective of the growth of the game here in Ireland. American Football Ireland’s partnership with the NFL Steelers, Jaguars and Jets has boosted the youth game here. The senior Wolfhounds are benefiting from this growth as we welcome players who have graduated from our youth team. This injection of youth changes the dynamic in the team as it drives improvement and competition for places.
“All of the players, coaches and support staff are firmly behind our philosophy of growing the team and everyone is working together to improve on and off the field. The mix of youth and experience working like this results in a very exciting brand of football.”
Watch live PPV. Netherlands @ Ireland, Oct. 19. 17:00 CET (5 pm, 11 am EDT)
The Dutch Lions are among the early pioneers of American football in Europe and claimed the bronze medal at the 1991 Euros, beating France 17-12. The Netherlands return to the international stage for the first time since 2016.
Lions head coach Fred Armstrong was asked about the return to competition.
You’re leading the Dutch Lions in their first serious game in several years after taking over a program that was dormant. What is the mood on the team?
Armstrong: The last game was 2016. I am very impressed with the energy from the players and coaches on the rebuilding of the Dryworld Dutch Lions. This camp the team is coming together nicely.
What has the player selection process been like?
Armstrong: The process is and will continue to be finding the best players available with a Dutch passports via camps and phone calls. The players are the best recruiters and our guys have done a fantastic job. We want a mix of ELF, GFL , AFL, and our college players who have that experience factor. The Crusaders have the best domestic talent sprinkled in with AFBN champion Leiden Lightning , Rotterdam, Maastricht, Groningen Giants, and Arnhem.
How much do you know about Team Ireland?
Armstrong: We don’t know much at all, they played Turkey last year, so we have really focused on our identity and hope we can come back with a W.
Watch live PPV. Netherlands @ Ireland, Oct. 19. 17:00 CET (5 pm, 11 am EDT)
