A Second Chance in Spain
“It’s this place called Sealand that we play for…”
“Yeah, I know it well.”
After a cancelled UK fixture, the next opportunity came through existing connections.
Having previously played in Palma with the Thundering Herd, I reached out to Head Coach Jesus Sanchez, who arranged a game at San Moix Stadium in Mallorca.
The challenge?
The Voltors, one of Spain’s top sides, competing at the highest level and regularly featuring international imports.
This wasn’t going to be easy.
A New Look Nationals Squad
This was a different Nationals team.
Following the rebuild after Reykjavik and earlier tours, new players had come in and quickly found their place.
Training on the Friday night told me everything I needed to know:
- Energy was high
- Players were connecting
- There was a real hunger to win
One standout moment came from Olli Schweder, who had travelled from Hamburg just to be part of the team.
A perfectly timed route. A clean catch in stride.
Effortless.
“Great catch.”
“Of course.”
That quiet confidence said it all, we were going to win.
Match Day at San Moix Stadium
The conditions were perfect, sunny, warm, and a proper stage for the game.
For the first time since Dublin, the squad felt unified.
There was belief again.
As warmups began, I slipped into familiar mode, organising, shouting instructions, making sure everyone was ready.
Then came a slightly less familiar moment.
Meeting actual royalty.
Face to face with Prince Michael and Princess Mei of the Principality of Sealand, I completely forgot how to speak.
Introductions became… improvised.
If you were introduced as “This guy is amazing” now you know why. (sorry)
The Game: A Statement Performance
From the kickoff, it was clear, this was a different team.
Over four quarters, the Sealand Nationals:
- Played with structure
- Showed confidence
- Executed at a high level
At the centre of it all was quarterback Oli DeRuyter who controlled the game throughout, slinging the ball all over the field.
The Voltors' answer came late in the second half, but too late.
Final result: a 21-13 Sealand victory.
Redemption Achieved
For the players who had been through Montpellier and Reykjavik, this meant everything.
- A response
- A reset
- Proof that the rebuild had worked
For the newer players, it was something just as important:
They belonged.
After the Game
Back in the bar at the stadium, the atmosphere was completely different.
Relaxed. Celebratory.
Prince Michael marked the occasion by buying the team a round of beers, well earned after a huge performance.
The Moment That Says It All
That’s when one final story unfolded.
Masters player John Diver had arrived late and was watching the game from the bar, really proud of being a Seahawks Master, he found himself chatting with a couple about Sealand.
Trying to explain it, he said:
“We play for this Principality, it’s off the coast of Suffolk, about seven miles out to sea, it’s called Sealand.”
The reply?
“Yeah, I know it well… I’m Prince Michael.”
What It Meant
This wasn’t just a win.
It was:
- Redemption for the Nationals
- Validation of the rebuild
- Another step forward for Sealand sport on the international stage
And, as always:
A reminder that these stories only happen because we’re doing something different.
- Mike Ireland, Minister of Sports and Culture.
🌍 Join the Sealand Journey
Sealand is more than a place, it’s a growing global community built on independence, creativity, and doing things differently.
From international sport to new ideas and events, this is just the beginning.
If you want to follow the journey, see what’s coming next, and be part of the story:
📲 Follow Sealand Sport
Stay up to date with teams, tours, events, and everything happening behind the scenes:
Facebook • Instagram •→ Sealand Sports
🪪 Become an e-Citizen
Join the Principality of Sealand as an official supporter and be part of a unique global community:
👉 https://sealandgov.org/products/become-a-sealand-e-citizen
- Mike Ireland, Minister for Sports and Culture.
