Incredible moment Super Bowl legend interrupts game to deliver 'special' news
Rob Gronkowski, aka Gronk, is a New England Patriots legend and four-time Super Bowl winner. He interrupted a watching party in Swindon, Wiltshire, to tell a local American football team they had something to cheer about
Rob Gronkowski, aka Gronk, is a New England Patriots legend and four-time Super Bowl winner. He interrupted a watching party in Swindon, Wiltshire, to tell a local American football team they had something to cheer aboutVideo Loading
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Rob Gronkowski delivers Super Bowl surprise to Swindon Sports Club
This is the incredible moment a Super Bowl legend interrupted Sunday's big game to deliver a "special message" to a grassroots club.
American football fans were left stunned when New England Patriots legend and four-time Super Bowl winner Rob Gronkowski, aka Gronk, made an appearance during the live coverage of the game at a watching party.
Gronk surprised Swindon Storm, an amateur American football club in Wiltshire, by revealing that they are the first of 200 clubs across the UK and Ireland to receive a share of a ÂŁ400,000 Cash4Clubs grant.
Members of Swindon Storm had gathered at a local sports bar to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles â an event watched by millions around the world.
And they got a shock when the live broadcast suddenly dropped, with Gronk appearing on screen.
He said: "Hi Swindon! Rob Gronkowski here. Sorry to interrupt your Super Bowl Sunday, but I have a special message for everyone at Swindon Storm watching from Route 66 tonight.
"One of your coaches, Andy Wilson, applied for a Cash4Clubs grant funded by Flutter. They heard about all the great work you guys are doing to grow American football in the UK and keep adults involved in sport.
"So here I am, on the biggest screen in Swindon, to tell you that your club is the first of 200 clubs across the UK and Ireland to be awarded a Cash4Clubs grant this year.
"Best of luck in the BAFA league. And remember: You are the Storm! Enjoy the big game tonight."
Rob Gronkowski had a special message for members of Swindon Storm
The Cash4Clubs programme is funded by betting and gaming group Flutter UKI and supports grassroots clubs with the aim of keeping adults engaged with sport.
Founded almost 20 years ago, the initiative has seen Flutter UKI, parent company of Betfair, Sky Bet, tombola, PokerStars, and Paddy Power, investing nearly ÂŁ6.5 million into grassroots clubs.
Each year, the programme awards 200 grants worth ÂŁ2,000, with a focus on supporting clubs in deprived areas. These grants provide essential financial support, enabling organisations to grow, thrive, and support their communities.
Founded almost 20 years ago, the Cash4Clubs initiative has seen Flutter UKI invest nearly ÂŁ6.5 million into grassroots clubs
Last year, 85% of the those receiving funding said they had been able to deliver more health and fitness activities and drive participation as a result.
Swindon Storm club coach Andy Wilson said the âtransformationalâ grant would go towards all-important pads and protective gear for new joiners.
He said: "The team was floored when Gronk appeared onscreen. The whole place went crazy!
"We are so grateful to Flutter and Sported for this grant, but having Gronk deliver the news during the Super Bowl was just incredible. Weâre so grateful to Route 66 for hosting us and making it a night to remember.
Swindon Storm compete in the BAFA Division 2, SFC West
"In the simplest terms, this grant means that if new people want to give American football a go, they can without the added financial pressure of needing to buy the equipment needed to play the sport.
"This funding could be transformational for our club and our membership, not to mention the lives of the new members we hope to welcome as a result.â
Compared to the might of the New England Patriots, one of the NFLâs greatest Dynasties, Swindon Storm is made up of American Football enthusiasts who founded the team in 2009 and compete in the BAFA Division 2, SFC West.
Rob Gronkowski, aka Gronk, is a New England Patriots legend and four-time Super Bowl winner (
Image:
Getty Images)
Rob Gronkowskiâs outings as a tight end occurred at Gillette Stadium which has a seated capacity for 64, 628 fans, while Swindon Storm tight ends Alfie Simpkins, Josh Gill and Angela Bartram, gather on Sunday mornings at their local council pitch on Southbrook Playing Fields.
Flutter UKI will be announcing the remaining 199 awards in the 2024-2025 Cash4Clubs scheme at the end of the month. But the firm couldnât resist the opportunity to spring this surprise on Swindon Storm.
Last yearâs winners included the Gosport Bowmen archery club in Hampshire and the London Wheelchair Rugby Club â which sent four players to the Paralympics GB squad in Paris.
A Flutter UKI spokesperson said: âWe all know the power of sports and we genuinely believe Cash4Clubs can help small clubs play an even bigger role in their community.
âIt was great to have âGronkâ deliver the news of this yearâs first award to the Swindon Storm â and we hope they can replicate his success on the playing field!â