Global Football and Drake University have again joined forces, this time to venture into China in 2018.
The alliance between the Iowa-based university and the world’s most prolific producer of international gridiron events made history in 2011 when the first-ever game of college American football was played in Africa, featuring the Bulldogs. The visit to Tanzania included numerous service projects and ended with the group of travelers climbing the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro.
Drake University today announced its 2018 visit to China, when Global Football will organize all football-related elements of the initiative during time spent in Beijing and Shanghai. The Bulldogs will travel to China on May 22, returning on June 4. Friends and families will also be able to enjoy many of the wonders of China as Global Football and Anthony Travel have created two distinct tour itineraries that are available at https://www.anthonytravel.com/drake-china-tour/.
The visit will include coaching clinics and service projects in the local community and those elements will be supported by NFL China, the American Football League of China (AFLC) and the American Football Academy (AFA) as part of their ongoing development of the sport in China and working relationship with Global Football.
“We are delighted to again work closely with Drake University and our broadening group of partners in China to enable us to attract players of all ages, as well as coaches, to become involved with this event and further develop their skills,” said Global Football Founder & President Patrick Steenberge. “Eager Chinese players and coaches will watch the Drake football practices on the Thursday and Friday of the visit and will take part in an American Football Celebration on the Saturday, including skills & drills and 7-on-7 competitions.”
The AFLC is an adult club league with teams across major Chinese cities, with the Beijing-based Iron Brothers team among those eager to join forces with the Bulldogs. The AFA is a rapidly expanding youth football organization focusing on teaching kids ages 6-14 the basics of the sport through weekend and after-school sessions and camps.
“Global Football continues to do great work in bringing the sport of American football around the world and Drake’s visit to China is another excellent example,” said NFL China Managing Director Richard Young. “The clinics and drills will help further develop the skills of the local Chinese football teams and the American Football Celebration activities will be enjoyed by the growing number of fans in China.”
China became the 28th country to host a Global Football event earlier this year when a high school-aged Team Stars & Stripes select squad visited for the Global Ambassadors Bowl in April, followed by the University of Puget Sound traveling to face local opposition in May.