American Football in Europe Offers Players and Coaches a Great Opportunity For Football and Travel :

Most people in North America would be surprised to discover that American football is thriving throughout the world, especially in Europe. For football coaches and players who like to travel, Europe offers a great opportunity with American football leagues almost everywhere. Although NFL Europe disbanded three years ago, interest in the game has continued to grow, with championship games in countries such as Germany attracting between 20,000 and 30,000 fans.

In fact, there are more than 750 American football clubs in 28 countries, ranging from France and Italy to Hungary and Serbia. Each one has at least three divisions of football with an average of eight teams in each. Basically, you can't find a country in Europe that doesn't have an American football league.

Last fall Jonathan Koidis was preparing to finish off his college degree and his Canadian college football career at Queens University playing offensive right guard for the Queen's University Gaels. The team went on to win the Vanier Cup, the Canadian College championship and with no pro aspirations Jon still wanted to play another year or two. He signed up on Europlayers (www.europlayers.com), and it wasn't long before he had a few offers. He chose the Zurich Renegades of Switzerland playing in the Swiss first division.

"The team flew me over in February to one of the most beautiful cities I have seen," says Koidis. "They had housing, transportation and everything else arranged and we hit the field in March for practice. The season ends in late July but what a great experience I have had. I never expected to be playing football again least of all in Europe."

The caliber of the game varies from country to country and sometimes from season to season. Import rules also vary. Germany, for example, allows more imports (divided between North American and European imports) on the roster and on the field. Seasons also change from country to country. For instance, the Belgian season ends late May while Finland, in contrast, starts play at that time.

Coaches, though, do not have to worry about import rules and more and more ex-pro, college and even high school football coaches are discovering the challenge and enjoyment of coaching in Europe.

Brian Gaylor from Texas is in his first year coaching the Lubeck Seals of the German fourth division. "A good friend of mine who now coaches in Sweden, recommended the European coaching adventure to me," says Galyor. "I registered on the Europlayers website and within a short time had an offer from the Seals. I am enjoying myself thoroughly and plan to stay another two to three years."

For coaches and players interested the plan is simple. Register on Europlayers, follow the instructions under How to use Europlayers and find a team. The site makes it easy.