Let the football continue…

Most Americans recognize the Labor Day holiday weekend as the official ‘kick-off’ to a season full of NFL and NCAA football action.

Beginning of football? Where have you been?

Beginning of football? Where have you been?

But they are sadly mistaken.

You have been waiting for football? You think it starts now? How wrong you are. American Football has been in full swing all year long almost all over the globe!

This weekend in Europe, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Russia and the UK all were in action. The playoffs were in full swing in Sweden, Russia and Great Britain.

In both playoff countries, the favorites dominated in the semi-finals in all but one game. Sweden will see a replay of the 2013 Swedish Final as the Carlstad Crusaders will again face the Orebro Black Knights who fashioned another upset of the Tyreso Royal Crowns. In the UK, the final will feature two teams from London, as it has for the past three years with the defending champion Warriors taking on the London Blitz.

Read more about the weekend’s games in Around the Continent and look for previews of both championships here on AFI later in the week.

The German league (GFL) saw decisive action as the Berlin Adler surprised many by upending the Dresden Monarchs and putting themselves back in contention.

American Football leagues in Brazil, Mexico, and Australia all have kicked off as well.

And don’t forget the Canadian Football League. They are halfway through their season.

You can follow all the action here on American Football International.

John McKeon is a former professional and collegiate American Football player and coach now living and working in New York. His goal is to spread news, information, and opinion on the global growth of the sport he loves.