Representing a Rusting Sea Fort with Pride and Passion
In the cold, wave-battered waters of the North Sea, 12 kilometers off the English coast, sits the self-declared Principality of Sealand—a micronation born from a World War Two sea fort. While its legitimacy may be debatable, what’s undeniable is that it has something most would never expect: an American football team.
Welcome to the world of the Sealand Seahawks—a team without a pitch, playing every single game away, and wearing their micronational pride like armor. Founded in 2021 by police officer and long-time American football player Mike Ireland, the Seahawks are as unconventional as the nation they represent.
The Birth of the Seahawks: From Guinness to Gridiron
“I was a few Guinnesses deep,” laughs Ireland, recalling the night the idea was born in a Belfast bar. It started as a joke—after buying his father a novelty Sealand lordship online. But the humor quickly evolved into a full-blown sports project.
Initially met with skepticism by Sealand’s ruling family, Mike persisted. Drawing on his two decades of American football experience with teams in Chester and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, he managed to gather 50 players and organized the team’s first game—all with the backing of Sealand’s royal family, including Prince Michael, son of founder Roy Bates.
No Home Ground, No Problem
Since the micronation’s only land is a repurposed anti-aircraft platform just one acre in size, all Seahawks fixtures are “away” games. But that hasn’t slowed them down. Instead, it’s become a unique excuse for travel, team bonding, and spirited competition.
“We play in Leicester, Bristol, and Milton Keynes, and we’ve even made a few appearances overseas,” says Ireland. “We’ve also built quite the rapport with the local Popworld in Milton Keynes. There’s a lot of dancing to ABBA and cocktails involved.”
More Than Just a Team—A Movement
The Sealand Seahawks go beyond the gridiron. They raise funds for charity, create inclusive opportunities for older players and women, and welcome athletes of all skill levels. Their roster spans “superstar quarterbacks” to men in their 50s simply enjoying the camaraderie.
Selection is invite-only. “The only rule? Don’t be an idiot,” Ireland says. “If someone you recommend turns out to be one, you’re both out. It keeps things honest.”
So far, only a handful have ever been shown the door.
“The [Bates] family are fully on board now. At first they weren’t sure what to make of it, but now they realise it’s a bit of a laugh; a bit of a giggle.”
Even Royalty Joins the Game
The Seahawks’ charm has even converted Sealand’s royal family. “Prince Michael came out to Palma to watch the nationals and got on the beers with the boys,” Ireland chuckles. “They get it now—it’s a laugh, a community, and a cause.”
Despite his intense patriotism, Mike Ireland has never actually set foot on the rusting sea fort he so proudly represents. “It’s my dream to go,” he says. “Otherwise I’ll just swim there, and maybe they’ll throw me a rope.”
Micronation, Maximum Heart
Some see it as a silly jolly, others see it as a brilliant passion project. But to Ireland and his 200+ teammates, the Sealand Seahawks represent something bigger than football: belonging, purpose, and the power of sport to bring people together from all walks of life.
“American football gave me so much,” says Ireland. “Now I’m giving back—and having the time of my life doing it.”
Category: Sports, Offbeat News, Micronations, Human Interest
Tags: Sealand Seahawks, Sealand football team, American football UK, Prince Michael Sealand, Roy Bates Sealand, North Sea micronation, Mike Ireland football, charity football UK, unusual sports teams, UK American football
