The National Football League, through its program dubbed NFL Africa, has touched down in Kenya aiming to invest in growing the game at all levels across the African continent.
The expansion into Kenya will see the NFL host a talent identification camp and NFL Flag football tournament in Nairobi on April 10-15, underscoring a long-term, multi-market pledge to develop more ways to serve a growing NFL fan base in Africa.
Brett Gosper, Head of NFL in Europe and Africa expressed excitement at having to expand into Kenya, explaining the importance of the sport to young and upcoming athletes in the country.
“Growing the NFL globally is a major strategic priority for the League and developing our footprint and fandom in Africa is an important part of this vision,” said Gosper.
“We are excited to expand NFL Africa into Kenya and look forward to creating opportunities for the next generation of African players and fans there to engage with our sport. From NFL Flag inspiring young people to play the game around the world, to building pathways for more international athletes to play in the NFL, there is a place in our sport for everyone,” he added.
In her statement Dr. Doreen Odhiambo, Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Academy of Sports. said that The Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) is honored to be partnering with the National Football League to further the sport of American football through the introduction of NFL Flag football in schools. As part of a mandate to develop sports talent across the country, KAS, and the NFL have engaged 10 schools through the Ministry of Education from the Kasarani area to participate in a 12-week NFL Flag football program, culminating in a tournament later this year. KAS is delighted to bring this new sport through the school talent pathway.
President of the Kenyan Federation of America Football (KFAF) George Alwanga, also expressed delight at the partnership, hoping for more schools to embrace the sport.
“We are delighted to partner with the National Football League to showcase and deliver a Flag football program for young people in Kenya. This partnership will have a positive impact on the future growth of Flag football in the country, encouraging more schools and communities to embrace and enjoy the sport, and aligns with KFAF’s objectives to develop the sport across the country and provide an opportunity for young Kenyans to learn and play the game,” said Alwanga.
Now players at the event can compete for invitations to prestigious programs such as the NFL International Combine, the NFL International Player Pathway Program, and the NFL Academy in the UK.
These initiatives are part of the NFL’s ongoing efforts to enhance the pathways for international athletes to pursue professional careers in American football. The players were invited to the event by Osi Umenyiora, a two-time Super Bowl champion of Nigerian descent who was born in the UK. The initiative, known as “The Uprise,” has already held scouting events in six countries and identified over 200 athletes, paving the way for promising young athletes to showcase their skills on a global stage.
By Jane Kibathi.
