The Blue Devils are taking their game international after school board approval Tuesday night cleared the way for an eight-day training trip to one of the world’s top sports universities.

What’s Happening: Marietta High School’s football team will spend August 14-21, 2026 at Loughborough University in England, training at elite facilities and competing against the NFL Academy’s European all-star squad.

What’s Important: This isn’t a vacation. Players will train at the Elite Athlete Centre, study film, serve the community, and represent Cobb County on a global stage—all while experiencing a culture thousands of miles from home.

The Timeline: The trip happens next August. Fundraising starts immediately.

Between the Lines: Loughborough University is known worldwide for sports scie

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