American Football in Europe received official recognition in the seat of British government with the launch of an All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the sport.
Taking advantage of the the fifth consecutive Wembley game in the NFL’s International Series, Bedford M.P. Richard Fuller – a keen Nebraska Cornhusker and Bedford Blue Raiders fan – welcomed a host of NFL and British American Football dignataries to the House of Parliament on Weds 19th October.
Accompanied by members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders, the following video is Mr Fuller’s welcoming speech to the guests assembled in the Terrace Pavilion overlooking the River Thames.
Introducing the aims of the APPG, chairman Richard Fuller, said: “There is strong support for American football within Westminster and a group of us felt that we should get more involved in developing the sport here at both the amateur and professional levels.
“We will be working closely with BAFA, the NFL and other organisations to promote and increase official recognition of American football within the UK sporting landscape. We hope to be able to develop participation in the sport at grassroots level, create opportunities for British players to reach their full potential in the sport and support the pathway to having eventually a UK-based NFL team.”
British American Football Association Chairman Gary Marshall added: “This is a fantastic initiative and for those of us involved in developing the sport here it is great to know that we now have a voice in Parliament. Everyone with an interest in developing American football in the UK will now have the opportunity to work closely with the Parliamentary Group to try to achieve our collective goals.”
Dr John York, owner of the San Francisco 49ers and chairman of the NFL owners’ International Committee, commented: “This is a great sign of the continued growth of the sport. Having been here this time last year with my team I saw how excited people in the UK were about American football at all levels, whether watching the NFL or playing for or supporting their local team.’
NFL owners last week voted to continue playing games in the UK until at least 2016. “That shows how committed my colleagues among the ownership are to the continued development of the sport,” said Dr York. “We are excited about playing our role in supporting the aims of the APPG.”
As part of ESPN America’s coverage of the NFL’s International series, we have a competition to win a signed copy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders’ 2012 Calendar.
Click here for details on how to enter.
ESPN America will be broadcasting the Bears at Buccaneers from Wembley on Sunday 23rd October across Continental Europe from 19:00 CET.
Click here for more details of ESPN America’s coverage of NFL in Europe and Monday Night Football in the UK on ESPN.
