The NFL and the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) organized a flag football coach and officiating clinic in Accra, Ghana, from April 11 to 13. This initiative is part of the strategy to accelerate the development and growth of the sport across the African continent.
The three-day clinic brought together coaches and officials from 10 African countries: Cameroon, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, and Uganda. Leaders from the global flag football community also participated to support learning and education.
A total of 50 participants received both classroom and on-field training, aiming to improve the skills of both new and experienced coaches and officials. This effort seeks to promote and enable long-term participation in flag football across Africa.
International experts lead the sessions
The sessions were led by expert coaches, including:
- Chris Curd: founder and commissioner of the Pittsburgh flag football league, with over 16 years of experience in league operations.
- Mike Daniels: football coach and senior consultant for football development at the NFL.
- Fouzia Madhouni: head coach of Morocco’s women’s flag football team and global flag football ambassador for the NFL and IFAF.
- Max von Garnier: German coach, leader of the NFL Flag schools program in Germany, and former NFL Europe player.
- Cédric Castaing: international flag football referee and national coordinator for flag football officials in France.
Additionally, NFL Flag and IFAF coaches supported the weekend’s activities.
Accelerated growth of flag football in Africa
Flag football, a fast-paced and accessible sport for all, is experiencing extraordinary growth worldwide, with over 20 million players in 100 countries. In Africa, participation has increased significantly since 2023, with Egypt and Nigeria recording growth rates of 149% and 85%, respectively. In Nigeria, the national federation’s outreach program has already engaged more than 13,000 young people, highlighting the sport’s appeal and expansion.
Commitment to the development of flag football
Stephanie Kwok, Vice President of Flag Football at the NFL, stated: “The NFL and IFAF are committed to continuing to develop and grow flag football in Africa. Creating meaningful educational pathways for coaches and officials across the continent is a critical part of the game at every level. This clinic will leave a powerful legacy for both elite and grassroots levels of the sport as we prepare for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and beyond.”
Lars Carlsen, IFAF Sport Manager, added: “This clinic marks another crucial step in promoting flag football across Africa. By investing in the education and development of coaches and officials, we are focused on building strong local foundations to support the sport’s continued expansion. Working hand in hand with our partners at the NFL, IFAF is committed to empowering the next generation of coaches, officials, and athletes, building a sustainable future for flag football in the region.”
