ST MARY'S stadium played host to an American football event last night as Hampshire residents had the chance to show their support for the National Football League.

America’s NFL hosts four matches at Wembley Stadium in London, with the NFL UK tour visiting five cities this week, ending in the capital tonight.

Fans at St Mary’s last night had the chance to take part in a forum, with NFL players attending, including Minnesota Vikings’ Harrison Smith, Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr.

Miami Dolphins running back Brit Jay Ajayi was also in attendance for the Southampton leg of the tour, along with the Super Bowl’s Vince Lombardi trophy.

There is an estimated 13 million American Football fans in the UK, with four matches announced at Wembley and Twickenham in September and October later this year, with both the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins set to perform in the capital.

Harrison Smith of the Vikings said: “It is great to be in the UK to meet fans and I’ve been very impressed with the knowledge and passion of the British fans, and the Southampton fans certainly followed that.”

Managing Director of NFL UK, Alistair Kirkwood said: “The NFL continues to grow in popularity every year and it was feedback from our fans that prompted us to organise the tour.

“There was a great atmosphere at the event and we are in no doubt that there is no shortage of NFL fans in Southampton.”