From Alcobendas to Indianapolis: the Knights who represented Spain at the NFL

In July 2026, a group of teenagers from Alcobendas packed their bags and flew to Indianapolis. They weren't going as tourists. They were going to represent Spain at the NFL FLAG Championships, the world flag football championship organised by the NFL. [1]

Royal Oaks Knights, a club based in northern Madrid, had achieved something that seemed impossible: earning a place among the best teams on the planet.

The road to Indianapolis

The qualification was no coincidence. In November 2025, the U-15 Knights were crowned Spanish champions after defeating Camioneros de Coslada in the national final. That title opened the doors to the NFL FLAG Championships, which brought together teams from 12 countries: Mexico, Brazil, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, China, Australia and host nation United States. [1]

From July 24-26, the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield (Indianapolis) became the stage for a competition that combines the best of world flag football with NFL-level production. [1]

We're not just here to participate

Diego Fernández del Rivero, the team's head coach, made the mindset clear before travelling: 'We don't go to any championship just to participate. We go to compete at the highest level.' [1]

The roster combined talent and national team experience. Álvaro Campos and Ariadna Mabanag shared the quarterback position. José Martínez led the defense from linebacker. Lía Romero covered as cornerback. And Mauro Sánchez threatened from the receiver position. [1]

Captain Bernardo Ruiz summed up the team's spirit: 'We're aware of how difficult it will be to surprise them. But precisely because of that, I believe this will be excellent for us.' [1]

A youth development club

Indianapolis was not an isolated event. Royal Oaks Knights experienced the most successful year in their history in 2026. While the U-15 team flew to the United States, the rest of the club was accumulating titles: [2] [3]

• Alcobendas Cavaliers (senior): LNFA 2 champions and promotion to Serie A
• Knights Junior: National champions
• Knights Cadete: National champions
• Knights Youth: Back-to-back Madrid regional champions

Five titles across different categories. A youth development project that is bearing fruit.

50 years of history

The origins of Royal Oaks Knights date back to 1972, when the American community from Madrid's military bases began playing organised American football. From those beginnings linked to Madrid High School, one of the first clubs of the sport in Spain was born. [4]

More than 50 years later, the club is still in Alcobendas. But now they don't just compete in Spain. They compete against the world.

What's next

The 2026-27 season will bring a new challenge: Alcobendas Cavaliers will return to LNFA Serie A, the top tier of Spanish American football. The last time they were there, they were relegated. This time, they arrive with the momentum of a historic year. [2]

And in the youth categories, a new generation of Knights is already training. Some of them were in Indianapolis. They all know the path is possible.