The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) will hold the African Flag Football Championships, their first on the continent. So save the date now for June 20-21, 2024 in Cairo, Egypt! This significant event marks a pivotal moment in the expansion of flag football as a competitive sport across the continent, aligning with IFAF’s strategic objectives ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
The championships will serve as a platform for aspiring athletes in Africa, promoting inclusivity and creating opportunities for new players. The IFAF aims to establish a robust qualification pathway that allows teams from each continent to compete on the world stage. As IFAF President Pierre Trochet noted, “LA is the beginning of the story for us and a commitment that is shared with IFAF and the entire team of the NFL to look for a future edition – ’32 and beyond.”
Expanding Opportunities in Flag Football
Flag football has gained substantial momentum globally, partly due to the National Football League’s (NFL) increased focus on promoting the sport since its inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 program. What’s different about this initiative is that it specifically establishes a woman’s pathway. Further, it gives them the opportunity to succeed and thrive in a sport long reserved for male competitors.
The NFL’s pledge to support football development in Africa further involves co-hosting youth football development activities with the championships. This collaborative effort exemplifies the NFL’s dedication to fostering talent at the grassroots level while enhancing the sport’s reputation as a global phenomenon.
Osi Umenyiora, former NFL player and current NFL ambassador, expressed optimism about the future of African teams in international competitions. He stated, “If an African team is fortunate enough to get in in ’28, one is going to win.” Umenyiora emphasized the importance of including Africa in the global narrative of football, asserting, “As a sport, you can’t say you are a global sport and you exclude Africa. It’s impossible.”
A Commitment to Global Growth
These collaborative initiatives between the IFAF and the NFL will help establish flag football’s credibility on an international level. The NFL will be bringing regular season games to Dublin for the first time in 2025 and to Australia in 2026. These initiatives are demonstrative of the organization’s significant commitment to grow football outside of its traditional strongholds.
Trochet reiterated this vision, stating that “it’s a consequence of our common goal to stay in the Olympic programme on the long term.” The IFAF’s commitment to inclusivity and merit-based competition creates an invaluable opportunity for intercultural dialogue between countries, made possible through sport.
The 2023 African championship will gather the different national teams from all over the African continent. By participating in this event, these teams will gain invaluable experience and exposure to international play, setting the stage for future competitions.
Building a Lasting Legacy
The IFAF is quickly becoming a global power player. That’s why it’s committed to ensuring there’s an equal playing field for participation in its global competitions on each continent. This holistic mentality is an example of GOAT’s dedication to building inclusivity and diversity into the DNA of the sport.
Umenyiora articulated this vision well when he said, “That’s what, in conjunction with IFAF, we’re really trying to build here: A truly global sport.” The African Flag Football Championships is not just about the competition. Most important of all, they bring fans and players of all backgrounds together, joined together by a common love and appreciation for the game of football.
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