MARIETTA, Ga. – The Marietta High School Blue Devils football program is gearing up for an unprecedented journey across the Atlantic, as the team has received approval to undertake an international training and cultural exchange trip to England in August 2026. This monumental eight-day experience, sanctioned by the Marietta City Schools Board of Education and the GHSA, promises to be a transformative opportunity for the student-athletes, combining elite sports performance training with a rich cultural immersion.
From August 14 to 21, 2026, the Blue Devils will be based at Loughborough University, a globally recognized hub for sports science and performance training. District leaders have highlighted that this rare international venture will provide players with unparalleled access to top-tier facilities, fostering growth both on and off the gridiron.
A Comprehensive Schedule of Training and Discovery
The itinerary for the Marietta squad is packed with activities designed to enhance their athletic capabilities and broaden their horizons. Players will engage in rigorous training sessions at the Elite Athlete Centre and utilize the state-of-the-art Powerbase for weight training. The comprehensive program also includes detailed film study, on-field practices, and team meetings, all aimed at refining their skills and strategic understanding of the game.
Beyond the athletic demands, the trip emphasizes personal and academic development. Scheduled academic study halls will ensure that students maintain their scholastic commitments, while a dedicated community service project will allow the team to give back in their host country. A significant portion of the experience is also dedicated to cultural exploration, with a full day planned for touring London on the iconic Big Bus Tour, offering players a chance to delve into the history and vibrancy of the English capital.
Clash with the NFL Academy
The climax of the trip will see the Marietta Blue Devils face off against the NFL Academy team. This elite squad is comprised of top student-athletes from across Europe, making the matchup a formidable challenge and an incredible platform for the American high schoolers to showcase their talent on an international stage. The NFL Academy's headquarters are located at Loughborough University, providing a direct connection for this highly anticipated contest.
This particular game continues a growing tradition of high school football programs from the Southeast United States traveling overseas to compete against the NFL Academy. Notably, Marietta's Head Football Coach, Cameron Duke, brings prior experience to this unique encounter, having faced the NFL Academy in 2024 during his tenure at Edgewater. The NFL Academy currently holds a record of 2-8 against American-based teams but remains unbeaten against European opponents.
"Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity"
Head Football Coach Cameron Duke expressed immense excitement about the trip, calling it a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our kids." He highlighted Loughborough's reputation, stating,
"Loughborough is the gold standard in international sports performance. Our players will grow as athletes, teammates, and young men, and they'll get to represent Marietta on a global stage. I'm thrilled for our team and grateful for the support that makes this possible."
Superintendent Dr. Grant Rivera echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the broader impact of such an international experience.
"When students see new places and experience new cultures, they gain confidence, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of their place in the world," Rivera stated. "I'm grateful to Coach Duke for dreaming big, to our partners for making this possible, and to our Board for supporting an experience our students will carry for the rest of their lives."
Funding Through Community Support
A crucial aspect of this ambitious trip is its funding model. The entire cost of the international excursion will be covered by the Marietta High School Touchdown Club through private donations and dedicated fundraising efforts. This ensures that no taxpayer money will be used, relying instead on the generous support of the community to make this extraordinary opportunity a reality for the Blue Devils. Coach Duke can be contacted for those interested in supporting the fundraising efforts.
In his first season at the helm, Coach Duke led the Blue Devils to a 5-6 record, securing a spot in Georgia's GHSA Class 6A postseason. This upcoming trip to England represents not just an athletic endeavor but a holistic educational experience, promising to leave a lasting impact on the young men of Marietta High School.
