Following the successful inaugural EFAF Atlantic Cup in 2009, EFAF brings together another four teams from Western Europe for an action packed weekend of American Football for the 2010 Atlantic Cup II in Dublin, Ireland on June 26-27.

 

When the inaugural tournament ended the Irish federation signaled its interest to host the Atlantic Cup II in the summer of 2010 as the preparations for the tournament are already underway in the Irish capital of Dublin as teams from Luxembourg, Ireland, Belgium, and Netherlands compete for the title.

 

Three of the four Atlantic Cup participants will make their international debut in Dubin as the Dudelange Dragons from Luxembourg are the only returning team.  The Dragons received an automatic bid as they are the only team in the country as the three other federations nominated different teams this year.

 

EFAF’s intent in providing these regional tournaments is to help as many teams as possible gain international experience and getting used to a higher level of competition while building up international relationships.

 

The Challenge Cup provides the same opportunity for teams from Eastern Central Europe and EFAF hopes to establish a similar tournament for the far-most Eastern part of Europe in 2010.

 

The reigning Irish champions Limerick Vikings will face Dudelange in the first semifinal on June 26.  The Vikings are determined to reach the final and continue the Irish quest to win a European trophy. Last year, the Dublin Rebels fell just short of the final against the West-Vlaanderen Tribes from Belgium losing by a margin of two points.  Limerick was responsible for the second defeat of the Rebels in last year’s championship game as the Vikings won Ireland’s championship defeating the Rebels 9-6 in overtime.

 

Belgium will be represented by the Brussels Bulls as they face the Lelystad Commanders from the Netherlands in the second semifinal of the Atlantic Cup.  Lelystad had a strong 2009 season only having one loss and earned a spot in the Dutch first division. Now they are eager to make an impact on the European level as well.

 

The 2010 Atlantic Cup II will be an event for the fresh and young teams to enter the European stage this summer in Ireland.