68 players from 20 countries prepare for an international showcase, including a Tottenham Hotspur Stadium clash with championship powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas
LOUGHBOROUGH, England – The NFL UK Academy has announced its most ambitious season yet, featuring 68 talented student-athletes from 20 countries and a nine-game schedule that spans three continents, highlighted by a marquee matchup at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against American football royalty.
The elite development program, entering its third season under head coach Steve Hagen, will kick off today (August 22) in Dublin, Ireland, against The Hun School of New Jersey as part of the Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT), setting the stage for what promises to be the program’s most competitive campaign to date.
International Showcase at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The season’s crown jewel arrives October 8 when the NFL Academy faces 16-time Florida state champions and three-time national title winners St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The Raiders, from Fort Lauderdale, represent one of America’s most successful high school football programs and will provide the ultimate test for the international squad.
“Playing at Tottenham against St. Thomas Aquinas is the kind of opportunity that defines what this program is about,” said head coach Steve Hagen. “Our players will face elite American competition on one of the world’s most prestigious stages. It’s a measuring stick moment for our entire program.”
Tickets for the historic clash are available through Ticketmaster, with all proceeds supporting the NFL Foundation UK and NFL Academy programs. The game represents the first time the Academy will host such high-profile opposition at the iconic venue.
Revenge Tour Begins in Florida
The Academy’s international schedule includes a compelling rematch against Edgewater Eagles in Orlando, Florida, on August 29. The Eagles claimed a thrilling 51-45 victory in last year’s meeting at Loughborough, providing extra motivation for the Academy’s American road trip.
“That Edgewater game last year showed us exactly where we stand and what we need to improve,” Hagen noted. “Our players have been thinking about that result all summer. It’s going to be a different team they face this time around.”
The Academy will also travel to Bradenton, Florida, to face IMG Academy’s national team for the first time, having previously played IMG’s state-level squad in European venues over the past three seasons.
Global Talent Pool Reaches New Heights
The 2025-26 roster represents the program’s most diverse collection yet, with England leading the way with 20 players, followed by Germany’s 16 representatives. The international flavor includes athletes from as far-ranging locations as Syria, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and The Gambia.
Key Players to Watch:
Quarterbacks: Canadian Viktor LaChambre and Denmark’s Emil Løkkegaard provide international flair at the position, while England’s Bobby Bridges offers dual-threat capability as a kicker.
Skill Positions: Germany’s Felix Merrow and Belgium’s Stan Pichon headline a deep receiving corps, while England’s Didi Georgiou and Sweden’s Edgar Wallen anchor the running back rotation.
Defense: Germany’s defensive line contingent, led by Johannes Mager and Benny Kubat, forms the backbone of what should be a formidable front seven.
Alumni Success Validates Program Model
The Academy’s impact extends far beyond European borders, with over 40 alumni currently playing NCAA college football and 27 competing at the Division I level. Notable success stories include:
- Daniel Akinkunmi (England) – University of Oklahoma offensive lineman
- Emmanuel Okoye (Nigeria) – University of Tennessee tight end
- Timi Oke (England) – Northwestern University defensive back
- Clinton Azubuike (Nigeria) – Vanderbilt University defensive lineman
“Seeing our alumni succeed at the highest levels of college football validates everything we’re trying to accomplish,” Hagen said. “These young men are proving that talent exists everywhere, and with the right development, they can compete with anyone.”
Tactical Analysis: Building a Global Game Plan
The Academy faces unique challenges in blending players from vastly different football backgrounds and cultures. European players often bring superior athleticism and conditioning from soccer backgrounds, while North American athletes typically possess more refined technical skills.
Offensive Philosophy: Expect a balanced attack that maximizes the international skill set, utilizing European speed and athleticism in space while incorporating traditional American football concepts.
Defensive Approach: The Academy typically employs aggressive, attacking schemes that suit their athletic profile, with an emphasis on creating turnovers and disrupting timing.
Special Teams Advantage: International players often excel in coverage units due to their soccer backgrounds and understanding of angles and pursuit.
Complete 2025-26 Schedule
August 22: The Hun School (Dublin, Ireland)
August 29: Edgewater Eagles (Orlando, Florida)
September 13: Düsseldorf Panther (Loughborough, UK)
September 21: BNL National (Loughborough, UK)
September 27: Manchester Titans (Manchester, UK)
October 8: St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (London, UK)
October 17:IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida)
November 14: Mexican Academy (Madrid, Spain)
November 15: Madrid U21 All-Stars (Madrid, Spain)
Program Expansion and Future Vision
The NFL Academy model continues expanding globally, with the APAC Academy opening on Australia’s Gold Coast in September 2024. The success of the UK program, now in partnership with Loughborough College and Loughborough University, serves as the blueprint for international development.
“We’re not just developing football players,” Hagen emphasized. “We’re creating global ambassadors for the sport who will return to their home countries and continue growing the game.”
What’s at Stake
Beyond individual development, the Academy serves as a crucial pipeline for international talent entering American college football. With NIL opportunities and transfer portal dynamics changing college recruitment, international players represent an increasingly valuable commodity for NCAA programs.
The program also plays a vital role in the NFL’s global expansion strategy, developing talent and building fan bases in key international markets. Success stories from the Academy help legitimize American football as a viable sport for international athletes.
Looking Ahead
As the Academy embarks on its most ambitious season, the stakes have never been higher. With elite American opposition, prestigious venues, and a roster representing 20 countries, the 2025-26 campaign will serve as the ultimate test of the program’s development model.
The season opener in Dublin marks not just the beginning of another campaign, but a statement about the global future of American football. For 68 young athletes from around the world, it’s the start of a journey that could change their lives forever.
Key Season Information:
- Season Opener: August 22 vs. The Hun School (Dublin, Ireland)
- Marquee Game: October 8 vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)
- Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster for the London game
- Follow: @nflacademy on X, Instagram, and TikTok
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