The Semi-Final draw for the 2014 Atlantic Cup has been announced. Ireland’s representatives, the Dublin Rebels, have been drawn against the Brussels Tigers from the host nation. The Hilversum Hurricanse from the Netherlands will play the Villeneuve Vikings from France in the other Semi-Final.
This years Atlantic Cup is being held in Brussels, Belgium over the weekend of 6th/7th September. The tournament is the Western European Championship for amateur American football clubs. Traditionally contested between teams from the Benelux countries and Ireland, the tournament has been given a major boost with the addition of France – the Villeneuve Vikings are the first ever French entrants. The tournament has also been moved from it’s late June timeframe to early September so as to avoid clashing with the play-offs in some of the participating countries.
This is the 6th edition of the tournament. Ireland is the current holder of the title with the Belfast Trojans having won the final, played in Tallaght Stadium, in 2013. The UL Vikings have also previously won the tournament, again on Irish soil in 2010.
The Rebels are hoping to be the first Irish team to win the tournament on mainland European soil.
A spokesman for the IAFA said “We are very excited with the addition of France to the Atlantic Cup family – it adds a new dimension to the tournament. The Rebels are an experienced team who will proudly defend the title on behalf of Ireland.”
Atlantic Cup Draw:
Saturday 6th September, Brussels.
12:00 Hilversum Hurricanes (NL) v Villeneuve Vikings (FRA)
15:30 Brussels Tigers (BEL) v Dublin Rebels (IRL).
Sunday 7th September, Brussels.
12:00 Third place play-off.
15:00 Atlantic Cup Final