Friday Night Lights comes to Dublin this week, with the Global Ireland Football Tournament (GIFT) bringing a unique blend of international sport and community spirit to Energia Park.
The Donnybrook venue will stage a double-header that highlights the global reach of American football and its growing roots in Ireland.
The opening game sees The Hun School from Princeton, New Jersey, take on the NFL Academy from the UK at 3:00 PM, followed by a meeting of The Kiski School from Pittsburgh against Ireland’s own U19 Wolfhounds at 6:30 PM.
The United States Ambassador to Ireland Edward S. Walsh will attend the games.
Now in its sixth edition, GIFT has evolved into far more than a sporting showcase. Organised by Global Football, the tournament is designed to bring visiting US high schools into direct contact with local communities and to leave a legacy that lasts well beyond the final whistle.
This year, proceeds from ticket sales will support the revival of St James’s Gate FC, one of Dublin’s historic football clubs, which had been on the brink of collapse.
“GIFT is about more than competition; it’s about bringing people together and building connections that benefit young people on and off the field,” said Patrick Steenberge, Founder of GIFT.
“For St James’s Gate, that support is being directed towards youth development and education initiatives, linking sport to broader social impact.”
The tournament also forms part of the broader festival of activity surrounding the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, which has drawn 24,000 US visitors to Dublin this weekend and will deliver a projected €130 million boost to the Irish economy.
While the Saturday showdown at Aviva Stadium commands global attention, GIFT also plays a crucial role in deepening grassroots connections and ensuring that the excitement filters through to schools, clubs and families across the city.
Tickets are priced to encourage that family focus—€20 for adults, €10 for students, and free for children—making Energia Park a welcoming entry point to the sport for Irish fans curious to experience the unique energy of Friday night lights, Dublin style.
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