The Los Angeles Chargers brought American football to more than 500 children in Greece during a special event on Santorini. The NFL team organized flag football camps on October 16, introducing young athletes to the sport.
The activities took place at two stadiums on the Greek island. Former NFL stars also joined the children, helping them learn football skills.
The event marked the Chargers’ second year of flag football activities on Santorini. Participation nearly doubled compared with last year.
NFL Stars Join Children on the Field
The Los Angeles Chargers held the camps at the Thira and Kamari municipal stadiums. Coaches from the Hellenic Flag Football League helped lead the activities.
Children practiced passing, catching and pulling flags. They also learned about teamwork and sportsmanship.
Unlike traditional American football, flag football replaces tackling with pulling a flag from an opponent’s belt.
Meanwhile, three former NFL players joined the event. They included Melvin Gordon, Stevan Ridley and Greek-American linebacker Niko Koutouvides.
Gordon, a former Chargers running back, returned to Santorini for the second year. He also shared his personal connection to the sport.
The former NFL star explained that he started playing flag football before moving to traditional football.
Koutouvides brought a special connection to Greece. His family has roots on the Greek island of Kefalonia, and he played in two Super Bowls.
Chargers Strengthen Their Connection With Greece
The camps attracted more than 500 children, along with families and supporters.
In addition, the Chargers delegation visited the Special Education Primary School of Fira. Team representatives gave commemorative gifts to students during the visit.
The activities continued through October 18 with an NFL watch party on Santorini. Fans gathered to watch the Chargers face the Kansas City Chiefs.
Earlier in the season, Athens also hosted a Chargers watch party at the Hard Rock Cafe.
The events form part of the team’s efforts to introduce American football to new audiences in Greece.
Flag football will also make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
For the Chargers, the growing participation on Santorini offers an encouraging sign. The team is helping introduce a new generation of Greek children to American football.
