European League of Football hosts Football-Festival in Duisburg

Duisburg, August 16, 2023 – On Monday afternoon, the European League of Football hosted a successful kick-off press conference to introduce the upcoming 2023 Championship Game and the Viva con Agua Charity Flag Football Game. The event took place at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena, the venue for the Charity Event on September 23 and the final on September 24. Commissioner of the European League of Football Patrick Esume, mayor of Duisburg Sören Link, and Carolin Stüdemann, CEO of Viva con Agua de St. Pauli e. V., were present to jointly present the goals and highlights of the largest European Football-Festival. In addition to the final and the charity game, the weekend will offer a diverse program, including Football Family Day, Honors ceremony, Pre-Game Party, and an exciting Fan-Huddle.

Sportstadt Duisburg hosts the biggest European football final since 2007

Since the end of NFL Europe in 2007, there hasn't been such a significant football final for football in Europe. Senior mayor Sören Link emphasized the opportunity for Duisburg as a sports city to host such a significant sporting event: "I'm extremely pleased that the final is taking place here. It's a great honor for the city. Moreover, the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena, which is also the home of MSV Duisburg, is certainly the most beautiful stadium to choose for this purpose.", says Link and further highlighted, "We are a sports-loving city in a sports-loving region. In Duisburg alone, with a population of 500,000, nearly 100,000 people are active in sports clubs. Therefore, the ELF Championship Game fits very well in our region and will attract many people. We will create an amazing atmosphere for this final."

Patrick Esume, Commissioner of the European League of Football, about his expectations for the Championship Game and the entire Football-Festival: "My expectations for September 24 are very high, as the sold-out Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena will be incredible. For this reason, I am not only excited about the event from a sports perspective, but also because the entire program over the weekend in the Duisburg region will be simply amazing."

A symbolic presentation of the Championship Game trophy to the city of Duisburg emphasized the close collaboration between the European League of Football and the sports city.

Stars play flag football for Viva Con Agua projects in Uganda

One day before the Championship Game, on Saturday, September 23, the European League of Football, in collaboration with Viva con Agua, will host a Charity Flag Football Game for the first time in history. The captains of the competing teams are former German NFL professionals Kasim Edebali and Björn Werner. Together with celebrities from the sports and entertainment industry, flag football will be played for charity from 3.30 to 6 PM at the Schauinsland-Reisen-Arena. All profits will be donated to Viva con Agua water projects in Uganda. Tickets are now available on Ticketmaster:

Commissioner Patrick Esume commented on the partnership between Viva con Agua and the European League of Football: "For me, this is something very special. I am very grateful that Viva con Agua has chosen to work with us. I see this as an accolade for our league. Therefore, I am extremely proud of it and hope that many fans will join us."

Carolin Stüdemann explained the special significance of the Charity Flag Football Game: "It is extremely exciting for us to unite our vision in cooperation with the European League of Football and the entire European football community. The goal of this charity game is to use the reach of our talents to collectively raise awareness about the global water situation and support water projects."

Major stadium event planned with Duisburg school

A special highlight of the Football-Festival is the "Football is Family" campaign, in which 100 students from the Gottfried-Wilhelm-Leibniz School will be invited to the Championship Game. Together, they will create a massive banner to underline the significance of sports for the community. Before the press conference, Patrick Esume visited the students personally to hand over their tickets. Afterward, he was available for a Q&A session and imparted knowledge about the sport of American Football to all participants.

Patrick Esume visiting a Gottfried-Wilhelm-Leibniz School in Duisburg. © Annabell Heidenreich

"'Football is Family' means to us that everyone truly belongs. For this reason, we visited the Leibniz Comprehensive School today. It was important to me that these young people understand how warmly they are invited to join our large football family and also our Championship Game. I'm very excited when the kids come to the game, bring their banner, and represent not only their school but also the city of Duisburg." explains Patrick Esume.