Over the last few decades, the popularity of the NFL and American football has generally crossed the Atlantic and is gaining popularity around the world. Europe has become one of the major centers of this sport outside America. There are dozens of countries that have a strong structure in the sport with thousands of players. Europe has become a great destination for those who have failed to break into NFL athletes to pursue their sports careers. Championships such as Germany, Italy, Austria and many others rely on players playing college football in the US.
In recent years, sports have developed in countries such as China, Australia, Philippines, Brazil and many, many more. A sign of the development of American football around the world is the participation of countries such as Brazil, South Korea and Australia at the last World Cup in 2015. A total of 16 countries are expected to participate in Australia in 2023.
This article is for a small country in Europe. Located on the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria is my home country. Already in the early 1990s were the first attempts to promote American football among the Bulgarians. Within a few years, dozens of teams are being set up. The lack of expensive equipment, however, weakens the enthusiasm of pioneers in sports in the country.
Another attempt to promote the sport is being made at the beginning of the new millennium. A number of teams are being set up, including the Sofia Warriors, of which I was the founder, president and athlete. The lack of sponsors in the sport quickly reduced the number of teams in the country.
In mid-2019, a new offensive was launched to distribute the game. We have embarked on a new strategy, starting with young people, going around schools in major cities. Within a few months, several teams were set up in cities across the country. But now, as before, the problem of financing sports and finding sponsors continues. Despite these tremendous difficulties, we continue and do not give up. We continue to pursue our dream.