Every year there are multiple National Football League games played overseas in London. Teams such as Jacksonville and Detroit play a game and get to experience playing in a different atmosphere. There are multiple opportunities and some challenges in playing and hosting games internationally. In the article written by Patra, he mentions the overwhelming support from UK fans for games and events. Being away from home could be difficult but having that away support and fans could help team momentum and moral.
"We are very appreciative of the outstanding support from our fans in the UK, not only for the games at Wembley, but for all of the related NFL events we have hosted throughout the city," NFL Executive Vice President of International Mark Waller said in a statement. "We believe we have a great 2015 schedule that will continue to attract new fans to our sport and strengthen the bonds with our existing fans. To provide UK fans the opportunity to see games on consecutive weekends, to see new teams, and to attend a division game, which feature some of the most passionate rivalries in our sport, are signs of the growth and depth of our UK fan base." (Pantra, 2014)
Opportunities come along with playing in London including the travel experience, experiencing other cultures and playing other talent. Although, NFL teams go over and play other teams already in their leagues, events such as scrimmages could be played against teams from London. Experiencing other cultures is the most exciting (in my opinion) part about playing overseas. Learning culture, eating new cuisine, and seeing iconic monuments that could be a once in a life time opportunity.
Challenges could be the exact opposite of the opportunities I listed. New culture and travel could part of the challenges faced while playing overseas and internationally. Players and coaches could not accept the culture and way of life where they are playing that could cause tension between them and locals. Even though the locals seem to be supportive for the most part, things could turn for the worse and no fans come to the games or events.
Experiencing this first hand through my brother and his basketball playing internationally over the last few years, it has always been a great experience for him and his teammates. Host families treated them with the upmost respect and provided them a “home” experience when they were playing thousands of miles away from their friends and families.
Patra, Kevin. NFL Announces 2015 International Series Lineup. Submitted on November 6, 2014. Retireved on September 4, 2015. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000423634/article/nfl-announces-2015-international-series-lineup
"We are very appreciative of the outstanding support from our fans in the UK, not only for the games at Wembley, but for all of the related NFL events we have hosted throughout the city," NFL Executive Vice President of International Mark Waller said in a statement. "We believe we have a great 2015 schedule that will continue to attract new fans to our sport and strengthen the bonds with our existing fans. To provide UK fans the opportunity to see games on consecutive weekends, to see new teams, and to attend a division game, which feature some of the most passionate rivalries in our sport, are signs of the growth and depth of our UK fan base." (Pantra, 2014)
Opportunities come along with playing in London including the travel experience, experiencing other cultures and playing other talent. Although, NFL teams go over and play other teams already in their leagues, events such as scrimmages could be played against teams from London. Experiencing other cultures is the most exciting (in my opinion) part about playing overseas. Learning culture, eating new cuisine, and seeing iconic monuments that could be a once in a life time opportunity.
Challenges could be the exact opposite of the opportunities I listed. New culture and travel could part of the challenges faced while playing overseas and internationally. Players and coaches could not accept the culture and way of life where they are playing that could cause tension between them and locals. Even though the locals seem to be supportive for the most part, things could turn for the worse and no fans come to the games or events.
Experiencing this first hand through my brother and his basketball playing internationally over the last few years, it has always been a great experience for him and his teammates. Host families treated them with the upmost respect and provided them a “home” experience when they were playing thousands of miles away from their friends and families.
Patra, Kevin. NFL Announces 2015 International Series Lineup. Submitted on November 6, 2014. Retireved on September 4, 2015. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000423634/article/nfl-announces-2015-international-series-lineup