The Atlantic Cup grouping has formally joined German Football League International (GFL International). This years tournament in the Netherlands will be the first to be run by GFL International.
GFL International currently runs Europe two most prestigious club competitions – the Big6 EuroBowl and the European Football League (EFL). Like the Atlantic Cup, both of these competitions were formerly run by EFAF. The inclusion of the Atlantic Cup means that GFL International competitions now include most western European nations. The current line-up of countries inlcudes Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Ireland. A number of other countries are expected to be included in the future.
This years GFL International Atlantic Cup will be hosted by the Netherlands with the provisional line-up as follows:
Belfast Trojans (IAFA).
Groningen Giants (NL)
Gent Gators (BEL)
Dudelange Steelers (LUX)
The tournament will take place over the last weekend in September, with Shamrock Bowl Champions, Belfast Trojans representing the IAFA.
With the standard of play improving every year in Ireland, joining GFL International will also give Irish clubs access to the EFL in future years. The IAFA will now also be able to cooperate with the other GFL International countries in areas such as coaching and officiating.