The Pittsburgh Steelers have praised the talent they saw during their first ever kicking clinic in Ireland, saying if the footballers “continue to hone their technique… there is a great opportunity for them to progress in their careers.”
The NFL team American Football Kicking Clinic at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin on Tuesday headed up by former Steelers – kicker Shaun Suisham and punter Jordan Berry – and Dan Rooney, Steelers Director of Business.
Over 25 aspiring Irish kickers and punters took part in clinics throughout the day, with Berry and Suisham leading them through drills and providing tips and advice. Among those taking part were Monaghan’s Rory Beggan, Mark Jackson and Darragh Leader, who all participated in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program earlier this year.
“I had a ton of fun,” said Berry, who punted for the Steelers from 2015-2020. “It was great to be out here with the guys. They’re really dedicated to the game and its great to see so much interest in American football.”
“There are a lot of great athletes over here, especially in the kicking game. For those who don’t know, they have a strong background here not just with soccer but also rugby and Irish football. They have great kicking games.
“A lot of these guys have got a great base to work with. If they stick with it, get in the gym, get stronger, get bigger and continue to hone that technique, there is definitely a great opportunity for them to progress in their careers.”
The clinic is another way the Steelers are embracing the Emerald Isle after the team was awarded the rights to expand their brand and host activities in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Global Market Program allows teams access to international markets to expand their team brand. The Steelers have done so already through a youth football clinic and a Fan Watch Patry at Croke Park in the Irish capital.
“Any time… our alumni get to teach the game to a group of young men that are passionate about our sport, that makes it a success,” said Rooney. “The Irish athletes are passionate and talented, and they want to get better.
“These guys play Gaelic football and rugby at high levels and their ability to perform under pressure, and we saw that first-hand. There was some talented legs here today.”
Berry and Suisham also paid a visit the Shamrock Rovers Football Club and Leinster Rugby while they were in Dublin.
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