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 development of flag football across Africa.

The three-day clinic attracted 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 education.

Fifty participants engaged in classroom and on-field learning. The clinic focused on improving skills for both new and experienced coaches and officials. This effort aims to promote long-term engagement in flag football across the continent.

Expert coaches led the sessions:

- Chris Curd: Founder of Pittsburgh's flag football league with over 16 years of experience.
- Mike Daniels: Accomplished coach and NFL senior consultant for football development.
- Fouzia Madhouni: Head coach of Morocco’s Women’s flag football team.
- Max von Garnier: German coach and former NFL Europe player.
- Cédric Castaing: International referee and national coordinator for officials in France.

The weekend activities received support from NFL Flag and IFAF coaches. Flag football is growing rapidly worldwide. Over 20 million players participate 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, over 13,000 young people engaged through outreach programs.

Stephanie Kwok, NFL Vice President for Flag Football said they are committed to developing the game in Africa. She emphasized creating educational pathways for coaches and officials is vital at all levels.

Lars Carlsen from IFAF noted that this clinic promotes flag football's growth across Africa. Investing in education helps build strong local foundations for continued expansion.

Flag football will be included in the LA 2028 Olympic Games program due to efforts by IFAF and support from the NFL.

Since 2022, the NFL has conducted talent identification camps and fan events across Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria as part of its Africa program.