The Marietta Blue Devils are headed overseas for what coaches, players and parents describe as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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The Marietta High School football team loaded onto buses Friday morning and departed for England, where they will spend the next week training, learning and competing before facing the NFL Academy in a historic international matchup.
Before boarding the buses, players gathered for a team prayer and one final message from coaches about the significance of the trip.
“This will be some of our guys’ first time on a flight, some of the guys first time out of the state of Georgia, and a lot of our guys first time outside of, of course, the country. So, it’s going to be an eye-opening experience, and our prayer is that, you know, this is one of those moments that will be a positive impact for the rest of their life,” said Marietta Head Coach Cameron Duke.
Coaches emphasized that the players are representing more than just their football program.
The Blue Devils are carrying the pride of their school, community and the state of Georgia as they make the journey across the Atlantic.
Family members, friends and supporters gathered to send the team off before departure.
“I’m just so proud of our son and all of the teammates, and truly just proud of the Marietta football program,” said parent Carey Jane Ison.
While football remains a major part of the trip, the experience extends well beyond the field.
Players will train at Loughborough University’s Elite Athlete Centre, work out in the school’s Powerbase weight room and participate in daily study halls. The team will also explore London and take part in a community service project with Samaritan’s Purse UK.
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“I feel like it’s gonna be a lot of fun. We’re gonna spend a lot of time in another culture and getting to learn more parts of the world. So I just can’t wait to learn that and enjoy my time,” said senior running back Titus Grant.
The trip will conclude Thursday when the Blue Devils face the NFL Academy. School officials say it will be the only international regular-season football game between a Georgia High School Association member school and the NFL Academy.
“It’s crazy that it’s happening right now, and it’s going to be such an awesome experience. And I’m excited to be there with my teammates and hopefully win too,” said senior player Super-Jack Ison.
For many of the players, the journey marks their first time traveling outside Georgia — and for some, their first time leaving the country.
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