Accra: The National Football League (NFL), in collaboration with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), conducted a four-day series of flag football development clinics in Ghana. This initiative brought together local educators, international coaches, and global federation representatives, aiming to enhance the global growth of the game and improve access to flag football across Africa.
According to African Press Organization, the programming featured a Ghana-based teachers clinic designed to provide local educators with tools and resources to introduce and expand flag football in schools. This was followed by an Africa Coaching Clinic, delivered in partnership 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 focused on grassroots access and high-performance development, highlighting the NFL and IFAF's shared commitment to creating sustainable pathways for flag football at all levels. Flag football is rapidly growing, with millions of players in over 100 countries. As the sport prepares for its debut at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, the NFL and IFAF are collaborating to increase access, enhance development pathways, and support national federations globally.
Afia Law, International Flag Football Development Manager at the NFL, stated that the work in Ghana supports local educators and coaches while also expanding access to the game across Africa. The program began with two days of locally focused development in Ghana, including a teachers clinic for approximately 40 educators involved in the NFL Flag program. These sessions focused on building coaching frameworks, developing sustainable school-based programs, and introducing game fundamentals.
The final two days shifted to an international focus with the Africa Coaching Clinic, bringing together IFAF delegates and coaches from across the continent for on-field instruction and knowledge-sharing. The sessions included a retired Olympic sprinter from Sierra Leone, highlighting the link between flag football and the Olympic movement.
Lars Carlsen, IFAF Sport Manager, emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing flag football globally. By partnering with the NFL, they aim to support national federations, strengthen coaching structures, and build momentum for the sport as it moves toward its Olympic future.
The clinics also offered coaches the chance to engage with peers from other countries, fostering cross-border collaboration and strengthening the flag football ecosystem in Africa. The Ghana initiative builds on ongoing NFL and IFAF efforts to promote flag football globally, focusing on accessibility, inclusion, and long-term development pathways for athletes and coaches. Flag football is experiencing rapid growth in Africa, with IFAF member federations reporting significant increases in participation, reflecting strong local momentum and continued investment in the sport.