Team World getting over language barrier


PLANTATION, FL – WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27 – The World team of American football completed an encouraging third day of practices at the PAL Stadium in Plantation, Florida, in preparation for Saturday’s Team USA vs. The World game, presented by Riddell.

The 45 players selected from eight countries and four continents, led by head coach Jan Jenmert, will face USA Football’s Team USA on Saturday, January 30 at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The contest kicks off at 12pm and will be televised live by NFL Network.

“The players we have selected are here because they are the best players in the world,” said offensive line coach GREG MARSHALL. “They are all motivated and very intelligent, so they pick up things well. The team has made great improvements since day one.”

During the morning practice, kicker TYLER CRAPIGNA (Ottawa Myers Riders) impressed with his accurate and powerful kicks and punts and when the offense took to the field quarterback BRANDON BRIDGE (St. Marcellinus High School) connected with multiple receivers throughout the day.

“My coaches are doing a good job of teaching us the plays in a very short amount of time,” explained Bridge. “Another challenge we have is the language barrier on the team. We use a lot of body movement to communicate and that seems to be working well. We have a lot of talented and smart athletes so that definitely makes it easier.”

Bridge was also on the Canada team that claimed the silver medal in the 2009 IFAF Junior World Championship in Canton, Ohio, losing to Team USA in the final.

“Some of us got the opportunity to play the United States in the championship game, which I feel will be beneficial for this game,” he added. “We got to see the type of competition we might face here and learned where we measure up against the U.S. players.”

Defensively, DYLAN HOLLOHAN (St Francis Xavier University) and CAMERON WADE (Acadia University) produced interceptions for the second consecutive day during the team scrimmage session. American Samoa linebacker Beck Coulter showed his speed and intensity, collecting numerous tackles.

“The biggest challenge for a team like this is to get all your systems ready,” added coach Marshall. “Football has so many different parts to the game; special teams, defense, offense, and we also have to overcome the language barrier. We have to do this all in a very short amount of time, so there are challenges, but certainly the American team has the same challenges we do.”

Delivering NFL Network game commentary for the noon ET kickoff on January 30 will be RICH EISEN, DEION SANDERS, and SCOTT KENNEDY. Sideline reporter STACEY DALES will contribute on-field insight.

USA Football’s “Team USA vs. The World” game, presented by Riddell, is also supported by numerous USA Football corporate partners, including GameWear Team Sports, Shock Doctor, Gatorade, and Cutters.

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