NFL and IFAF host flag football development clinic in Ghana

The National Football League (NFL) and the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) held a flag football clinic in Accra, Ghana. This event took place from April 11-13. It aimed to boost the game's development across Africa.

The three-day clinic welcomed coaches and officials from ten African countries. Participants came from Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, and Uganda. Leaders from the global flag community also attended to support learning.

Fifty participants engaged in both classroom and on-field training. The clinic aimed to enhance skills for new and experienced coaches and officials. This effort promotes long-term engagement in flag football across the continent.

Expert coaches led the sessions at the clinic. Chris Curd is the founder of the Pittsburgh flag football league with over 16 years of experience. Mike Daniels is an accomplished coach and NFL senior consultant for football development. Fouzia Madhouni is head coach of Morocco’s Women’s flag football team and an NFL & IFAF Global Flag Ambassador. Max von Garnier is a German coach who leads NFL Flag schools in Germany.

Cédric Castaing is an international referee and national coordinator for flag football officials in France. The weekend's activities were supported by NFL Flag and IFAF coaches.

Flag football is growing rapidly worldwide with over 20 million players in 100 countries. Women and girls are driving much of this growth. In Africa, participation surged since 2023; Egypt saw a 149% increase while Nigeria had an 85% rise.

In Nigeria alone, the national federation's outreach program engaged over 13,000 young people. This highlights the sport's expanding reach and appeal.

Stephanie Kwok, Vice President of Flag Football at the NFL said they are committed to developing flag football in Africa. She emphasized creating educational pathways for coaches and officials as vital for all levels of play on the continent.

Lars Carlsen, IFAF Sport Manager stated that this clinic promotes flag football's growth across Africa. He noted that investing in education helps build strong local foundations for continued expansion.

Flag football will officially be part of the LA 2028 Olympic Games program due to efforts by IFAF with NFL support. Since 2022, as part of its Africa program, the NFL has conducted talent identification camps and fan events across Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria.