Could American football become the next boom in Spain? A recent visit by the Chicago Bears suggests that may be the case.
The Bears’ promotional tour in February aims to spark interest in American football among hundreds of young students in Madrid, marking a major step forward for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will debut as an Olympic sport. became.
Promoting sportsmanship
The “Mini Monster” event was held at Osos Rivas Field and had students from Rivas Vasia Madrid learn the basics of American football, such as tackling, passing, and touchdowns.
Bears coaching team member Gustavo Silva emphasized the importance of getting into the sport early. “Kids have to have the opportunity to play sports, and that’s what we’re doing,” he said, emphasizing efforts to develop an interest and skill in flag football from an early age.
Putting health and fitness at the forefront
The star of the event, former NFL player Roberto Garza, focused on the importance of an active lifestyle. He promoted the “Play 60” initiative, encouraging children to get 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
“We have six stations here at ‘MiniMonsters’ and we learn techniques at each station,” Garza said. He added with a laugh that the tackling was the most fun part for many participants.
Expansion beyond fields
The NFL’s expansion in Spain has been notable, with Silva noting the increased interest and growing presence of the sport. Garza also pointed to Taylor Swift’s influence in attracting a new, younger audience to NFL games, thanks to her relationship with Travis Kelce.
“She’s attracting a new audience to the NFL: young girls,” Garza noted, acknowledging Swift’s global influence on the sport’s appeal.
super bowl expectations
Garza is excited for the matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, as the Super Bowl will be held in the early morning hours between Sunday, February 11th and Monday, February 12th at 12:30 am (Spanish time). expressed.
He praised Patrick Mahomes as “the best player in the NFL right now” and predicted a thrilling game. He concluded, “I think it’s going to be a very close game, but I think the 49ers can win the championship.”
The Chicago Bears’ visit to Spain not only highlights the growing global appeal of American football, but also sets the stage for flag football’s exciting Olympic debut.
Through initiatives like “Mini Monster,” the sport looks set to capture the hearts of people and promise a bright future for American football in Spain and abroad.
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