De La Salle High School in Concord, California, is taking its football team overseas. The school announced that the Spartans will play an All-Star team at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on October 8 as part of the NFL’s efforts to expand American football.
An Exciting Opportunity
The game will take place two days after an NFL matchup between the Bears and Vikings at the same venue. Despite the disruption to their usual schedule, De La Salle’s players and coaches are thrilled about the opportunity. The team will travel 5,300 miles for the game, fitting it in between a September 27 game at El Cerrito and an October 18 home opener against San Ramon Valley.
De La Salle coach Justin Alumbaugh is enthusiastic about the experience. “I believe in educational athletics,” he said. “If you get a cultural opportunity like this, you don’t pass it up. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, and we’re grateful to be given it.”
Planning and Approval
The idea for the trip started about 18 months ago during a Nike coaches summit in Oregon. Nike employee and De La Salle graduate Zach Klaas suggested the possibility to Alumbaugh. After securing approvals from various school and athletic associations, the trip became a reality.
De La Salle athletic director Leo Lopoz expressed his gratitude for the support received. “With our affiliation with Nike and the NFL’s backing, I had a strong feeling this possibility would become a reality,” he said. “It’s a blessing to have this kind of opportunity.”
The Matchup and Preparation
The NFL Academy team, founded in 2019, will be De La Salle’s opponent. Despite challenges from COVID-19, the NFL Academy has produced numerous college football players and boasts a strong record, including a recent win over IMG Academy.
De La Salle, a seven-time state and 11-time mythical national champion, is expected to have one of its strongest teams in 2024. Key returning players include Oregon-bound defensive lineman Matt Johnson, running backs Dominic Kelley and Derrick Blanche, and two-year starting quarterback Toa Faavae. The team also features standout athlete Jaden Jefferson.
Looking Ahead
“This is a really exciting opportunity for our players,” said Alumbaugh. “Not only is this the first time that our team has traveled outside of the U.S. in the history of De La Salle’s football program, but we will be playing athletes trained by world-class NFL coaching staff. It will be a great experience that will test our players and give them some unforgettable memories.”
With this trip, De La Salle continues its tradition of providing meaningful experiences for its athletes, coaches, and community. The school looks forward to creating lasting memories and fostering growth through this unique opportunity.
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