Accra: The National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), recently organized a four-day series of flag football development clinics in Ghana. This initiative brought together local educators, international coaches, and global federation representatives as part of ongoing efforts to grow the game worldwide and expand access to flag football throughout Africa.According to African Press Organization, the programming included a Ghana-based teachers clinic aimed at equipping local educators with the necessary tools and resources to introduce and scale flag football in schools. This was followed by an Africa Coaching Clinic delivered in collaboration with IFAF and its member federations from across the continent. Participating countries included Ghana, Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, and Uganda.The sessions emphasized grassroots access and high-performance development, reflecting the NFL and I FAF's shared commitment to building sustainable pathways for flag football at all levels. Flag football is rapidly growing globally, with millions of players across more than 100 countries. As the sport prepares for its debut at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, the NFL and IFAF are working to increase access, strengthen development pathways, and support national federations worldwide.Flag football continues to create opportunities for athletes and communities globally, stated Afia Law, International Flag Football Development Manager at the NFL. Through the work in Ghana, the NFL is proud to support local educators and coaches while partnering with federations across Africa to expand access to the game and build sustainable pathways for growth in the region.The four-day programming started with two days of locally focused development in Ghana, including a teachers clinic offering a free opportunity for approximately 40 educators involved in the NFL Flag program. Sessions focused on building coachi ng frameworks, developing sustainable school-based programs, and introducing game fundamentals, with on-field drills and gameplay providing participants hands-on experience.The final two days expanded to an international focus with the Africa Coaching Clinic, bringing together IFAF delegates and coaches from across the continent for on-field instruction, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. The sessions also featured participation from a retired Olympic sprinter from Sierra Leone, highlighting the increasing connection between flag football and the Olympic movement.Lars Carlsen, IFAF Sport Manager, highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving the global development of flag football. By working with partners like the NFL, IFAF supports national federations, strengthens coaching structures, and continues building momentum for the sport as it grows internationally.Coaches participating in the clinics had the opportunity to engage directly with peers from other countries, fostering cross-border c ollaboration and strengthening the flag football ecosystem across Africa. The Ghana programming builds on ongoing NFL and IFAF efforts to expand flag football globally, focusing on accessibility, inclusion, and long-term development pathways for athletes and coaches. Flag football is experiencing rapid growth across Africa, with IFAF member federations reporting significant increases in participation, reflecting strong local momentum and continued investment in the sport.
NFL and IFAF Collaborate to Host Flag Football Clinics in Ghana, Promoting Global Expansion of the Sport
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