Southampton’s women American football stars are set to make history tomorrow when they play in the first ever Team GB match in Sweden.

Dawn Seymour, Laura Hill and Julia Robinson have travelled to Stockholm for the match, which is the culmination of an incredible boom in popularity of the sport invented in the United States.

Seymour, who has spent most of her life playing rugby for Trojans, only converted to American football this summer.

She can’t wait for the challenge against Sweden, one of the most established and experienced teams in Europe.

“It’s definitely going to be tough,” the 38-year-old said. “They are a very good side and we’re the new kids on the block.

“But it will be a proud day for all of us.

“It is the climax of a lot hard work by many people and it is an indication that American football is becoming ever popular.”

After more than 15 years playing rugby, she has got hooked on American football.

“The game is for everyone,” she said. “It’s very tactical and embraces all shapes and sizes of players.

“I enjoy the intensity of it. It’s physical and tactical.”

Among females the sport has boomed in recent years, seeing an incredible 300 per cent rise in participation.

And in Southampton it is due to be more popular than ever with the announcement of a new ladies’ team.

Hill, 24, who has been a driving force behind the new team, is looking forward to playing Sweden.

“I’m really excited,” she said. “It is the start of something brilliant.

“This is the first ever game but there is lots more still on the horizon.”

The national interest in American football has increased in recent years, with NFL games at Wembley.

The GB women will be aiming to reach the World Championship in 2017.

“There’s talk of a European Championships next year as well,” added Hill.

“American football is growing and women in Southampton should soon boast a new team hoping to play in the national league.”