The Chicago Bears have landed in Badalona, Spain, as part of their global push to grow flag football. Former offensive lineman Roberto Garza is on the ground leading clinics for local kids. This marks the fourth straight year the club has held these events in the country. The trip comes just days before the Bears face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field on Sunday.
Garza told fans this is his third time visiting Spain with the team. He noted that each trip feels more rewarding than the last. The group has spent about two weeks in the country so far. They have hosted clinics for hundreds of children across four different cities. The club aims to build excitement ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games where flag football will make its debut.
A Different Kind of Game
The team started their tour in Bilbao, a smaller city nestled in the mountains. Garza described the vibe there as slower and quite different from home. They worked with Athletic Club, a local soccer team, to use their facilities. This partnership gave kids a chance to train at their own professional team’s home. The Bears even attended a match at the stadium before leaving the city.
Garza sat in the President’s box and called the experience an honor. He noted the energy was high but the rules differ from American football. In soccer, fans often stay in their seats for the full 45-minute halves. This keeps everyone locked in because scoring is rare. At home, fans move around to grab food or drinks during the game. The Bears enjoyed the hospitality and unique atmosphere of the Spanish league.
Growing the Flag Football League
After Bilbao, the group moved to Barcelona and Badalona for more clinics. These areas have hosted recurring events with the Barcelona Dragons tackle team. A local flag football league also operates in the region. Organizers told the Bears that the league has grown about four times in size since they first launched it. This surge in interest aligns with the sport’s addition to the Olympic program.
Garza sees a clear rise in interest from local boys and girls. Some of these young athletes are even looking to come to the United States to play in college. The former Bear believes the clinics help open those doors for more kids.
Looking Ahead to Sunday
The Bears are wrapping up their European tour just as the NFL season heats up. The team returns to Chicago to prepare for their next matchup. The club is set to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Nov. 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. ET at Soldier Field. This game follows a win over the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, Nov. 2.
The clinics in Badalona and Barcelona show how the game is expanding beyond the U.S.
