Kraków Kings and Sarasota Blazers – Transatlantic Friendship Through Football

What began with a chance meeting at a wedding in the United States quickly grew into an extraordinary partnership between the Kraków Kings and the Sarasota Christian Blazers from Florida. Within just a few months, two unique visits took place – first, young athletes from the U.S. traveled to Kraków, and later Kings coaches Robin Volkmar and his assistant Nikita Pytelewski paid a return visit to Sarasota.

Blazers in Kraków

In May 2025, a 13-member group of players from Sarasota, along with their coaches and parents, arrived in the capital of Małopolska. Their trip marked the first step in building a long-term collaboration. The Americans trained together with the Kings, played exhibition games, and got to know the local community.

– “We thought this would be something small, but it wasn’t – we came and saw the whole community. It was really a big event,” recalled one of the Blazers players, quoted in the local press.

Polish juniors had the chance to observe their U.S. peers, who possess greater experience and a higher “football IQ.” For the Americans, meeting the Kraków team was equally inspiring – seeing the dedication of young Poles, many of whom spend hours commuting to practices, left a deep impression.

Return Visit to Sarasota

A few months later, in September, coach Robin Volkmar and his assistant Nikita Pytelewski boarded a Discover Airlines flight to Florida.

– “Two weeks ago, early on a Monday morning, right after our first game of the season (a 52:13 win over Tychy Falcons), my assistant Nikita and I flew to Tampa. The plan: spend a week at Sarasota Christian School, learn as much as possible about football and running a high school team from coach Jacob Spenn and his staff,” Robin recounted.

During their stay, the Polish coaches took part in practices and sports activities, held in-depth conversations with American coaches, and analyzed their own playbook. – “The most important thing for us was to talk about football as much as possible. We got feedback on our plays and game footage, tips on how to fix problems in our system. Hearing that we’re doing many things right was encouraging,” emphasized the Kings coach.

Nikita Pytelewski added with a smile: – “This trip was like living the ‘American dream.’ For me, the two highlights were Friday’s Blazers game – even though they lost, the pace of play for such young players was impressive – and… the homemade cinnamon rolls baked by the Campbell family, who hosted us!”

Beyond the intense football learning, the hosts also made sure there were plenty of off-field attractions. The Kraków coaches toured the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ NFL stadium, attended a college game, took a boat trip on the Gulf of Mexico, and even visited the famous Siesta Key beaches. – “From the boat ride, to visits at favorite restaurants and Walmart, to watching games together – we felt at home in Sarasota. It was fantastic hospitality,” Robin recalled.

Football Builds Bridges

Both visits proved that American football can be more than just a sport – it can serve as a tool for building friendships and exchanging experiences. As Pytelewski highlighted: – “I hope these exchanges will continue in the coming years, because their value is truly immeasurable.”

Talks are already underway to bring Kraków juniors to Sarasota next year. For the young Kings players, it would be the trip of a lifetime.