NFL fans got a Super Bowl moment of their own during a special watch party of the ‘greatest show on turf’ when an American football legend interrupted the game.
Lovers of the sport were surprised with a special cameo by a New England Patriots hero and four-time Super Bowl winner. Rob Gronkowski, aka Gronk, gave a special shout-out to a grassroots team in the middle of live coverage of the game.
Gronk stunned members of Swindon Storm, an amateur American football club in Wiltshire, as he revealed the club is the first of 200 in the UK and Ireland to receive a share of a £400,000 grant. Courtesy of Flutter, the Cash4Clubs grant provides support to grassroots sports to keep adults engaged.
And while the Storm players and officials tuned in alongside millions to watch the big game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, Gronk shocked them all with a very special message. The NFL icon, one of the greatest tight ends to grace the game, appeared on screen as the live broadcast dropped out of nowhere.
He said: “Hi Swindon! Rob Gronkowski here. Sorry to interrupt your Super Bowl Sunday, but I have a special message for everyone at Swindon Storm watching from Route 66 tonight.
“One of your coaches, Andy Wilson, applied for a Cash4Clubs grant funded by Flutter. They heard about all the great work you guys are doing to grow American football in the UK and keep adults involved in sport.
“So here I am, on the biggest screen in Swindon, to tell you that your club is the first of 200 clubs across the UK and Ireland to be awarded a Cash4Clubs grant this year.”
Before signing off, he offered some encouragement and a rallying cry to the club: “Best of luck in the BAFA league. And remember: You are the Storm! Enjoy the big game tonight.”
The Cash4Clubs initiative, backed by Flutter UKI, the parent company of prominent betting and gaming brands such as Betfair, Sky Bet, tombola, PokerStars, and Paddy Power, focuses on supporting grassroots sports clubs to keep adults engaged in physical activities. Established nearly two decades ago, this programme has seen Flutter UKI invest a substantial £6.5 million in these community-driven organisations, reports the Mirror.
Each year, Cash4Clubs awards 200 grants, each valued at £2,000, with a particular emphasis on assisting clubs in economically disadvantaged areas. These financial injections are crucial for the growth and sustainability of these clubs, enabling them to make a more significant impact within their communities.
Last year, 85% of recipients reported an increase in their ability to deliver health and fitness activities, thereby boosting participation. For Swindon Storm club coach Andy Wilson, the grant represents a “transformational” opportunity, primarily to acquire essential pads and protective gear for newcomers.
“The team was floored when Gronk appeared onscreen. The whole place went crazy!” Wilson exclaimed, expressing gratitude to Flutter, Sported, and Route 66 for their support and for making the grant announcement during the Super Bowl an unforgettable experience.
He added: “In the simplest terms, this grant means that if new people want to give American football a go, they can without the added financial pressure of needing to buy the equipment needed to play the sport. This funding could be transformational for our club and our membership, not to mention the lives of the new members we hope to welcome as a result.”
In sharp contrast to the New England Patriots, one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties, Swindon Storm consists of passionate American Football enthusiasts who established their team in 2009 to compete in the BAFA Division 2, SFC West. While Rob Gronkowski graced Gillette Stadium in Foxborough in front of 64,628 fans, Swindon Storm’s tight ends Alfie Simpkins, Josh Gill and Angela Bartram enjoy their sport on Sundays at their local council pitch on Southbrook Playing Fields.
Flutter UKI is set to announce the remaining 199 awards of its 2024-2025 Cash4Clubs scheme by the end of this month. Nonetheless, they seized the chance to give Swindon Storm an unexpected boost.
Among last year’s recipients were Gosport Bowmen archery club in Hampshire and London Wheelchair Rugby Club, which proudly sent four athletes to join the Paralympics GB squad in Paris. A Flutter UKI spokesperson said : “We all know the power of sports and we genuinely believe Cash4Clubs can help small clubs play an even bigger role in their community.
“It was great to have Gronk deliver the news of this year’s first award to the Swindon Storm – and we hope they can replicate his success on the playing field!”