The Aer Lingus College Football Classic Announces Official Partnership with The Irish Wolfhounds National Flag Football Teams

Dublin, Ireland – August 11th, 2025 — The Aer Lingus College Football Classic is proud to announce a landmark partnership with the Irish Wolfhounds National Flag Football Men’s and Women’s teams ahead of their journey to EuroFlag 2025, the European Flag Football Championships, and their broader mission to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

This exciting collaboration brings together two of the fastest-growing forces in Irish and international football: the prestigious Aer Lingus College Football Classic, which showcases elite-level American football in Dublin every August in the Aviva Stadium, and the Irish Wolfhounds National Flag Football teams, competing under the governance of American Football Ireland (AFI).

EuroFlag 2025, taking place this September in Paris, will serve as a crucial qualifying milestone for Ireland’s national teams as they pursue a coveted place in the first-ever Olympic flag football tournament in LA28. With the sport making its Olympic debut in 2028, the Irish Wolfhounds are proudly flying the flag for Ireland on the international stage.

Natalia Hyland, Head of Sponsorship & Domestic Marketing for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, brings a unique perspective to this partnership - not only through her involvement in delivering one of the largest College Football events outside the U.S., but also as a player on the Irish Women’s National Flag Football Team. Hyland said: 

“This partnership is especially meaningful to me, both professionally and personally. Bringing American football to Dublin each year as Ireland’s largest annual inbound tourism contributor and one of the most exciting sporting events of the summer to now representing Ireland on the field gives me a unique view of how far the sport has come here. It’s exciting to be involved at both ends as the game continues to grow.”

Alan Lomasney, President of American Football Ireland, added: 

“This partnership gives us a fantastic platform to showcase Ireland’s talent on the international stage and inspire the next generation of flag football players. We are proud to represent Ireland on the international stage, and this collaboration brings us one step closer to LA28.”

As the countdown to both EuroFlag 2025 and LA28 continues, the Irish Wolfhounds and the Aer Lingus College Football Classic are united in their goal to elevate the game, champion Irish athletes, and inspire national pride through football.
 

The 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic is the first-ever Big 12 Conference match-up to take place in Ireland on 23rd August.

The game will see Kansas State University face off against Iowa State University at the Aviva Stadium, kicking off the 2025 college football season in Week Zero.

With over 24,000 international fans already confirmed to travel for the event, a limited number of tickets remain available for domestic fans at  ticketmaster.ie/collegefootball. From high-energy marching bands and cheerleaders to pep rallies, tailgating, as well as some top-class American football between predicted conference finalists. Dublin is set to transform into a vibrant hub of college football spirit and celebration.

#WolfhoundsToLA #EuroFlag2025 #AerLingusCollegeFootballClassic #TouchdownDublin #MuchMoreThanAGame

Photo credit: Dave Bradshaw