Sealand Seahawks Las Vegas Debut vs MLFR Nationals

~ Written by Mike Ireland - Founder of The Sealand Seahawks ~

On January 24, 2023, I floated an idea past a chap called Rob Esquibel of the Minor League Football Review Hall of Fame. Fast forward to December 7, 2024, and the Sealand Seahawks played their first game in the United States of America.

Prince Liam of Sealand, Sir Mike Ireland and the Seahawks team (credit Dane Ekstrand & Chrissie McKee)

At Clark High School in Las Vegas, a 50-strong squad of Seahawks Masters and Nationals donned a special white kit designed by our long-time collaborator, Dario at Ridge. They took on the MLFR Nationals, an all-star team comprised of the best minor league players from across America.

Practice on Friday, led by Head Coach Nick Benning, was unforgettable. December football in the desert, with a stunning red rock cliff backdrop and 20+ degree weather, set the scene perfectly. Every coach, player, and staff member was fully aligned on the significance of this game and brought their A-game.

Defence - Sealand Seahawks vs MLFR Nationals (credit Dane Ekstrand & Chrissie McKee)

When Saturday arrived, just before 4 PM under the floodlights, Prince Liam joined captains Stuart Edwards, Jonny Gritt (formerly Hodgson—someone tied the knot in Vegas, didn’t they?), Joe Thompson, and me for the coin toss. We won and chose to receive the ball.

While I wish I could provide a detailed play-by-play, I’ll simply say this: despite our best efforts, winning the coin toss was our greatest achievement of the game. The Nationals took an early lead and maintained their dominance, ultimately securing a 32-0 victory.

It was a heartbreaking loss, but when you consider how far we’ve come—from the club’s first-ever game in February 2022 to playing against a national all-star team in Las Vegas in December 2024—the Seahawks should be immensely proud. The growth, dedication, and passion of everyone involved are nothing short of remarkable.

Post-game Sealand Seahawks & MLFR Nationals (credit Dane Ekstrand & Chrissie McKee)

Will we be back? Of course, we will.

Next on the agenda: the Nationals face off against the Masters in Leicester on February 22, 2025, and hopefully, the Shehawks will get their chance to play in Germany. Stay tuned for updates.

Vegas, it’s been emotional.

— Mike