Croke Park Classic promoting Irish American football

One of the most interesting aspects of the Croke Park Classic (CPC) is the unique way in which the IAFA and GAA have worked together for the benefit of the event and the sport in Ireland.

 In some events in the recent past, the game promoters have had little regard for the sport locally. No real interest in developing the sport or even tapping into the growing domestic market in Ireland and throughout Europe. However, the Croke Park Classic has adopted a very different approach.

Croke Park and the GAA engaged with the IAFA at an early stage, offering to help promote the sport in Ireland around the event. The offer was gratefully accepted and both organisations executed a cooperation agreement last summer. In return, the IAFA offered to assist with the promotion of the game among domestic and European supporters. The GAA has attempted to reach out to domestic and European supporters – encouraging them to attend the event.

According to IAFA President, Michael Smith “What really helped is that the GAA are themselves the National Governing Body of an amateur sport. They understand sport in Ireland and the impact an event like the CPC can have. They were very engaging from day one and have made a big effort to make us feel part of the event.”

One of the big benefits to the IAFA has been the access it has been afforded to those involved in the event. This has included facilitating interactions with the colleges at events thus allowing the IAFA to build up it’s own relationships.

We’ve seen some tangible benefits in recent weeks with IAFA players featuring prominently in CPC promotions thus giving the IAFA increased public visibility. The GAA also plugged the recent Shamrock Bowl in it’s media releases. This in turn has generated some further media opportunities which will become apparent over the next few days.

The Croke Park Classic will promote IAFA on game day. Significant space in the game program has been given over to the domestic game. Fans attending the game will be left in no doubt that there is a vibrant American football scene in Ireland and how to contact their local club to get involved.

In addition, the IAFA has been afforded the opportunity to entertain stakeholders, prominent members of the International American football community and potential sponsors/partners at the game – a move which is sure to deliver benefits for the sport in Ireland over the coming years. Finally, the game will also deliver a legacy – details of which will be announced at the IAFA AGM later this year.