IAFA Awarded Development Grant by International Federation.

The Irish American Football Association (IAFA) has been awarded an Educational Development Programme (EDP) grant by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).  Grants have been awarded to 15 of IFAF’s c.50 members worldwide.  The aim of the EDP is to develop youth and junior football throughout the world and it is primarily funded by the NFL.

The IAFA plans to use the EDP funding, along with grant aid received from the Irish Sports Council, to significantly expand the schools flag football programme, which has been piloted in the Midlands over the past couple of years. It is anticipated that the programme will be scaled up for the 2011/2012 school year.

A copy of IFAF’s official press release is below:

  Press Release

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has provided grants to 15 member federations spanning four continents to benefit youth and junior American Football development through the IFAF Education Development Program.

Educating coaches, officials, administrators, development personnel and players at junior (19-and-under) and youth (15-and-under) levels is a primary focus for IFAF, the international governing body of American football worldwide.  The cornerstone is the IFAF Education Development Program (EDP), which encompasses an evolving series of initiatives in order to benefit all IFAF members on multiple levels.  By creating meaningful and sustainable initiatives, IFAF ensures a strong foundation is in place to support future growth and development.  

IFAF member federations submitted EDP applications requesting almost $200,000 USD in funding.  Those whose applications were successful are: Argentina, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Korea, Nigeria, PAFAF (Pan American Federation of American Football), Poland and Spain.

“We were impressed by the wide range of initiatives that were proposed and encouraged by the anticipated outcomes, which will further our goal of developing the sport of American football internationally within our member federations,” said IFAF President TOMMY WIKING.  “I am confident that youth and junior players and the volunteers and coaches who help them progress as players and as representatives of the sport will benefit greatly from this funding.”

 The EDP initiatives are available to IFAF federations both national and continental level as a result of funding IFAF receives from the NFL Youth Football Fund.  IFAF has four continental federations (Asia, Europe, Oceania and Pan-America) and 59 national federations.