The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted their first-ever American football Kicking Clinic on the island of Ireland yesterday.

The event took place at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin and was hosted by former Steelers kicker Shaun Suisham and Steelers former punter Jordan Berry in collaboration with Tadhg Leader of Leader Kicking.

Over 25 aspiring Irish kickers and punters across various age ranges were in attendance today, where they received real time coaching and instruction from the Steelers alumni. Among the participants were Monaghan’s Rory Beggan, Mark Jackson and Darragh Leader who all participated in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program earlier this year.

The event was free for all participants.

The Pittsburgh Steelers Kicking Clinic is the latest event in a series of activities that the NFL team have hosted on the island of Ireland since being granted the rights to expand their brand and activities for the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland as part of the NFL’s ‘Global Markets Program.

The NFL’s Global Markets Program grants NFL clubs access to international markets to expand and raise further awareness of the game through activities such as fan and youth events, along with corporate sponsorship and merchandise sales.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have previously hosted fan and football educational events, including a youth football skills clinic and a first of its kind, sold-out Fan Watch Party at Croke Park in Dublin last November. The Kicking Clinic marks their first Irish event in 2024, with further upcoming events scheduled for this year across the island.

Sport for Business will host a special Business of the NFL Breakfast at Croke Park this Wednesday morning where Rob Hartnett will be joined by Dan Rooney of the Steelers, Henry Hodgson of the NFL UK & Ireland and Shaun Suisam.

“It is fantastic to be back here in Dublin today for our Kicking Clinic,” said Rooney, Director of Business Development and Strategy for the Steelers.

“Events like these allow us to teach the game of American Football to aspiring Irish athletes and enable us to continue to grow the love of our game beyond the US.”

“I hope everyone involved today found the sessions valuable and educational, from the expertise and coaching provided by our former players. We have now hosted numerous events in Ireland so far and we are looking forward to future opportunities this year where we can engage with our many Irish fans and grow the game that we love.”

The Pittsburgh Steelers have launched dedicated Irish social media accounts, where content from today’s Kicking Clinic will be published for Irish fans to enjoy.

The NFL team are now in the planning phases of future upcoming events and marketing activities in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with the Steelers aspiring to host an NFL game on the island in the coming years.

 

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