There will be no secrets when Sweden takes on Denmark in the opening game of the upcoming 2024/25 IFAF European U19 Championships at the end of March.
The Scandinavian rivals have become familiar foes on the gridiron, meeting three times in the past three years at the junior level. On each occasion, Sweden has emerged triumphant on the way to winning the gold medal at the Nordic Championships in 2021 and silver in the continental competition in 2022 and 2023.
Head coach Sebastian Brinkenfeldt was at the helm for all those successes, having taken charge of the national team in 2019, when Sweden also finished second in the European U19 Championships. This competition cycle he is plotting not only success in Group B over Denmark and Germany, but potentially against Austria, the team that has dominated in recent years at this level.
“In terms of Denmark, we know who they are and what they’re capable of and what they’re doing right,” says Sebastian. “They have a new head coach this year, but I feel that the DNA that Lars Carlson has instilled in the Danish national teams is still there. Lars is one of the most experienced coaches in Europe, so he knows how to run the program.”
Having returned to competition, Germany finished in fifth place in 2022/23 and aims to challenge again for the European crown. Before Austria won six straight continental titles, it was the Germans who triumphed in 2008, their consistent threat having previously earned two gold medals, four silver and one bronze.
“As for Germany, we haven’t really seen them yet of course,” added Sebastian. “They were quite impressive last year but I think that Germany will really be a handful for us. It’s a very good test in terms of the international level and quality.”
The 2024/25 IFAF U19 European Championships will feature the continent’s top teams competing in two groups this year, followed by a round robin tournament in 2025 to decide the gold medal winners. If Sweden progress, there is the prospect of facing Finland, Italy or France from Group A, and reigning champions Austria, who will represent Europe at the IFAF U20 World Junior Championships in Canada in June. Austria has a bye beyond the initial group stages in Europe.
“What’s so impressive about Austria is that they’ve been so good for so long,” says Sebastian. “They’re very consistent.
“There's always been talk about Austria only playing in Europe and that they weren’t interested in playing against the rest of the world, so when they accepted the invitation to the World Championship I was surprised. I think that they want to make a statement. They want to show the world that they are actually a team to be reckoned with.
“From my experience, when I was in Mexico (with Sweden at the 2018 IFAF World Championships) and seeing the Canadian and American teams, I think they can play with those guys, I really do. They’re so well coached and so structured, I think they really could be a contender.”
As for the Swedish team Sebastian will lead against Denmark, many of the talented young players who won silver last year will return to again prove themselves on the European stage.
“The thing with the juniors is that it’s so hard to say that because they were good last year, they’re going to be good this year,” explains Sebastian. “Also, we have kids available in the spring who are not always available in the fall. We’ve been quite lucky that a number of the players we have in in our national team program go on to play either at the collegiate level or at some type of prep school in the U.S. and that happens during the fall.
“There is still a considerable amount of players that have played both games during last year and that are still on the team and a handful of players that have been with us even from 2022.”
Among the familiar faces is running back Vilgot Valeskog, who rushed for an impressive 264 yards on 21 carries and 2 touchdowns including an 88-yard score and a two-point conversion to claim the MVP award he last time he faced Denmark. Linebacker Benjamin Kennedy Chaanhing dominates on defence and also provides a threat in the return game.
“Vilgot is probably the best running back I’ve ever seen from Sweden, hands down,” admits Sebastian. “It's not his shiftiness, it’s his ability to run straight ahead that really impresses you. There are a bunch of those guys on the team. Benjamin is one of those as well who is even better this year.”
The U19 action kicks off in Europe in Group B on Sunday, March 31 at 2pm CET when Sweden and Denmark renew their rivalry at the Kristianstads IP in Kristianstad.
Photo: SWE3
