Pittsburgh Steelers strengthen their commitment to Ireland

The Pittsburgh Steelers returned to Ireland this week to build on a successful 2025 and continue their long-term commitment of growing the game of American football across the island by launching the Steelers Flag Football Tournament, presented by Aer Lingus and UPMC. 

Last year, the Steelers made history by competing in the NFL’s first-ever regular season game in Ireland at Croke Park, Dublin.

The landmark event generated €104.5 million in economic impact for Ireland and further strengthened the organisation’s deep generational ties to the country.

Following that historic year, the Steelers are reaffirming their commitment to Ireland as a long-term strategic priority international market. 

A key pillar of that commitment is the continued development of Flag Football, one of the fastest-growing sports globally and recently announced as part of the LA 2028 Olympic Games programme.  

In partnership with American Football Ireland (AFI), the Steelers hosted 24 schools from across the island to participate in a series of regional Flag Football tournaments in Belfast, Dublin and Cork.

Each event combined skills development and an educational element with a structured competition format. Steelers legends Vince Williams (former Linebacker) and Will Allen (former Safety) appeared at the events. 

For the first time, boys and girls from participating schools will compete to qualify for the Steelers Flag Football Tournament Championship, set to take place in May in Dublin, adding a new competitive pathway to the programme. Successful teams from each regional session will earn the opportunity to advance to the national finals. The tournament is free for schools to enter.   

The 2026 Steelers Flag Football Tournament builds on three years of youth engagement by the Steelers in Ireland. Since obtaining Global Markets Program rights in 2023, the organisation has delivered football camps and grassroots initiatives in Dublin, Belfast, Cork and Newry, giving over 750 boys and girls the chance to experience Flag Football and meet Steelers players and legends. 

These efforts complement the wider growth of Flag Football nationwide, following the recent joint funding initiative announced by the Government and the NFL to support the sport’s continued expansion across Ireland. 

Aer Lingus and UPMC are proud partners of the Steelers’ Flag Football Tournaments, supporting the development of Youth Flag Football on the island and reinforcing the shared commitment to community engagement and transatlantic ties. 

Dan Rooney, Vice President of Business Development & Strategy at the Pittsburgh Steelers, said: “After an incredibly special and successful 2025 for our organisation in Ireland, we’re excited to build on that momentum. Flag Football is central to our commitment to growing the game at the grassroots level both in the United States and abroad. It’s inclusive, accessible and creates real opportunity for boys and girls to engage with American football.” 

Susanne Carberry, Chief Customer Officer, Aer Lingus, added: “Aer Lingus is proud to support the continued growth of Flag Football in Ireland. This initiative brings real opportunities for young people to develop new skills, build confidence and experience a sport that is inclusive and exciting. Our partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers reflects our shared commitment to supporting communities across the island and strengthening the long-standing ties between Ireland and the United States.” 

The Steelers’ March visit also forms part of a broader year-round calendar of activity in Ireland, including fan engagement events, draft celebrations and community initiatives.

With deep generational ties to Ireland and a continued focus on grassroots development, the Pittsburgh Steelers remain committed to ensuring that Irish fans and young athletes are firmly part of Steelers Nation for years to come.