Category: Flag Division One

Preview: 2022 AFI Flag Football Playoffs

2022 has proven to be a wild year for all 3 forms of American football in Ireland, but none have been quite as unpredictable as the 2022 AFI Flag Football season. Beginning back on August 20th shortly after Shamrock Bowl XXXIV, 24 flag football teams have competed for the chance to be a part of this Saturday November 5th‘s playoffs at Dromore RFC, Co. Down. Alas, 8 remain, 4 each from Premier Division and Division 1.

12:15 — Division 1 Semi-finals
#1 Belfast Knights vs #4 Antrim Jets
#2 Westmeath Minotaurs vs Cill Dara Crusaders

13:30 — Premier Division Semi-finals
#1 South Dublin Panthers vs #4 Donegal / Derry Vipers
#2 Craigavon Cowboys vs #3 Dublin Bay Raptors

14:45Division 1 final: Glas Bowl III

16:00Premier Division final: Emerald Bowl VIII

With just a few more games to go before this year’s Emerald Bowl and Glas Bowl Champions are crowned, let’s take a look at each team’s path to the playoffs.

Premier Division

#1 South Dublin Panthers (10-0) — South

The Panthers came up from 2021’s Division 1 and utterly dominated the South group this year, going undefeated and putting up some truly elite performances on both sides of the ball. Scoring a country-high 411 points in their 10 games and also boasting the #1 defense (157 points), the Panthers came out with a screaming start by handily beating group-favourite Edenderry Eagles and Dublin Rebels.  It should have come as no surprise that the Panthers have had as good a season as they’ve had — with the likes of Jo Buchanan, Sean Douglas and Ryan Eccles all making splash plays on offense and defense, as well as QB Joe Grey leading the charge for the South Dublin side.

#2 Craigavon Cowboys (10-0) — North

2021’s National Champions had themselves a perfect season of their own, going 10-0 in an otherwise very tight division. Also posting over 400 points, the Craigavon offense (and a certain QB Peter Loughran) is a juggernaut everyone around the league is very aware of. With potential national team members such as Neil Maxwell, Austin Ramsey and Scott Buchanan available though, Craigavon are more than just their well-renowned QB. With a defense that kept opposing offenses to 21 or less points in 6 out of 10 games, Craigavon have everything it takes to repeat their Emerald Bowl win from last season

#3 Dublin Bay Raptors (7-3) — South

Perhaps another surprise considering the preseason strength of the South group, the Raptors truly burst on to the scene by starting 4-0. Veteran QB Todd Zboyan led a young group of players after amalgamating with the Thomastown Tigers and crafted a team that put up more than 30 points in all but 1 game. While the likes of Jack Basquille and Jason Kolokithas will help fill the gap, the Raptors will be without standout piece on offense and defense Peadar O’Muiri. Still, the Raptors have shown to be the type of team to face big challenges head-on, and after coming 2 points short of upsetting the #1 seed, they may very well fancy themselves against the #2 seed.

#4 Donegal / Derry Vipers (6-4) — North

The Vipers might be the true upset of this playoff schedule this season. Being promoted from 2021’s Division 1, Donegal / Derry had a tough task ahead of them to stay up in a group that includes the high-scoring Hurricanes, a Trojans team that specialises in tight games, an athletic Mavericks outfit and fellow promoted side Belfast City Lions. Not only did the Vipers achieve Premier Division status for next year, but they blew past every expectation put in front of them, and put on some fantastic games while they were at it. After a sputtering start that saw some wide scorelines, 4 of the Vipers last 6 games were decided by 10 or less points, including a thriller with Maynooth that saw QB Peter Hamilton connect with star receiver Chad Higgins with just 7 seconds left on the clock to both win the game and secure their spot in this weekend’s playoffs. The Vipers knack for coming through with big plays in clutch moments will be key in their push for the finals.

Division 1

#1 Belfast Knights (9-1) — North

Relegation can demoralise some teams and lead to some hitting the reset button and taking a few years before making true attempts to climb back up — the Knights aren’t some teams. With players like Jordan Clinton and John McCrystal to get the ball to, the Knights scored fairly consistently in the 30-35 point range, landing there in 6 of their 10 games. The series with the Jets is currently in the black and gold’s favour at 2-1, so the Knights will have even more of an incentive to progress to the Glas Bowl game.

#2 Westmeath Minotaurs (8-2) — South

The Minotaurs have, for the last few years, been the team that has been *right* at playoff contention, only to have forfeits from earlier in the season to come back and haunt them. After putting a full season together, the Westmeath side put themselves on top of the South group, dropping points only to the Crusaders at the start of the season and the Rebels 2nds in their final gameweek. Scoring over 400 points this season — 1 of 3 teams in the country to do so — it seems the infusion of youth in their depths has pushed the Minotaurs to true players in the division, with the likes of Jack and Darragh Lynch, Peter Dempsey and Shaun Dalton all playing key roles.

#3 Cill Dara Crusaders (7-3) — South

The Crusaders are a different side altogether with Jordan Farrell under center compared to last season. Improving drastically from their 1-5 finish in 2021, Cill Dara are just 2 games away from adding a flag football trophy to the club’s cabinet. Luke Carey and Ethan Bolger have added some versatility on offense that perhaps was previously missing, while defensively the Crusaders have been rock solid, boasting a unit that has conceded less than 17 points a game. Much like the Vipers in the Premier Division, the Crusaders waited right until the end of the season to lock this playoff position up, just getting in ahead of the Rebels 2nds after beating UCD 30-27. Morale and momentum in the Crusaders camp is high and, with a 50-20 victory over the Minotaurs under their belts from earlier in the season, could well be on their way to lifting the Glas Bowl on Saturday.

#4 Antrim Jets (7-3) — North

The Jets are a curious team to preview. Relatively new to flag football (2021 debut season: 2-6 record), the Jets have performed past their expected goals for the season. With the highest scoring offense and 2nd best defense in the North group, their place in the playoffs was more than validated, especially considering they shutout the #1 seed in an amazing 32-0 performance and one loss was by a mere 2 points. With standouts like Jonny McCullough, Ryan Beckett and Scot McLean, the Jets can absolutely go on a run to the Glas Bowl.

Entry to the playoff event this Saturday is FREE so come down and support your team! Make sure to follow along the games on our dedicated flag football website here to find live scores and full season standings. A live stream will also be available — link to follow on our social pages.

2020 Flag Football Season Cancelled

American Football Ireland has taken the decision to cancel the 2020 flag football season in its entirety following the Irish Governments announcement earlier this week regarding all Irish counties entering level 3 restrictions. Results from any games played in the 2020 season will be null and void.

We understand that participants will be disappointed, particularly after the season got underway in many parts of Ireland, but the risk to our members welfare has become too great with the latest resurgence of COVID-19.

Those who have purchased flag football membership for the 2020 season will have their membership extended for the 2021 flag football season. If there are any queries regarding this, please direct them via email to brian@americanfootball.ie

Training within clubs can continue in line with Government restrictions and clubs risk assessments. For further information on restrictions, please see gov.ie

Flag Football 2020 Season Update

PREMIER DIVISION

There are no changes to the teams in each conference. The Northern Conference will kick off this Saturday as planned in Craigavon. Southern Conference matches are postponed until the 10th October at the earliest.

DIVISION ONE

Teams in each conference have been adjusted – please see updated conferences below. The Northern and Central Conferences will kick off this Saturday, with Southern Conference matches postponed until the 10th October at the earliest.

Northern Conference

  • Antrim Jets
  • Belfast Trojans Dev
  • Causeway Giants
  • Donegal Derry Vipers
  • Downpatrick Saints
  • UU Elks

Central Conference

  • Cill Dara Reapers
  • Galway Warriors
  • Louth Mavericks Dev
  • Westmeath Minotaurs
  • WIT Vikings

Southern Conference

  • Dublin City Quetzals
  • Dublin Rebels
  • North Dublin Pirates
  • South Dublin Panthers
  • UCD

NOTES

  • The AFI Flag Football Committee are providing constant updates to designated representatives from each team. If you are a member of a team and have a query, please contact your team representative first.
  • No spectators are permitted at games due to COVID-19 regulations. AFI personnel will be at each venue to enforce.

Find Your Closest Flag Football Club

Flag Football is a version of American Football played without the contact element (similar to tag rugby). Flag Football is played as a mixed sport (males and females) for ages 16 and above. Select your county/closest county from the list below to see Flag Football clubs in that county and contact them to find out more about how to start playing:

2020 AFI Flag Football Season

Preparations are underway for the 2020 AFI Flag Football season, which will start in August. Following the re-brand of the association to American Football Ireland, there have been changes made to the official names of the flag football leagues as follow:

The Emerald Bowl Conference, premier league of flag football in Ireland, is now known as the AFI Flag Premier Division, where the teams will compete for Emerald Bowl VII.

The Glas Bowl Conference will now be called the AFI Flag Division One, where the teams will compete for Glas Bowl II.

If you are interested in entering a new flag football team or would like to join an existing one, please contact us via our contact form here.

GBC & EBC 2019 Final Week Preview

Time flies and we are now in the final week of the regular season games for both the EBC and GBC 2019 seasons.

This being the penultimate preview of 2019 we thought we’d start with the inaugural GBC season. It all started with thirteen teams but only the top six will claim the right to compete in the playoff and maybe a shot at becoming Glas Bowl 1 champions.

A few teams have already booked their ticket to the playoff although without a definitive position yet. The Cork City Outlaws (5-1) and the South Dublin Panthers (4-1-1) currently 1st and 2nd, will be going to the playoff on the 2nd of November. However, since they have no remaining fixtures, they will only have to wait and see to find out what seeding they will finishing at.

On their trail (although already playoff bound) and with two games left to play, the Craigavon Cowboys 2nd (4-0) and Louth Mavericks 2nd (4-0) are a in a good position to take the top seeds if they win both their games with the added bonus that their last game will be against each other (which is our pick for the GBC game of the week). Now, that being said if both teams failed to win their first game and tied their second or even tie both games, they would still be in the top four teams.

The real excitement will come from further down the table. The West Dublin Rhinos (3-2-1) will be on the edge of their seat hoping for the Maynooth Hurricanes (2-2) or Belfast Trojans 2nd (2-2) to lose at least one of their games which would then seal their playoff ticket. If both Hurricanes and Trojans were to win two games then both would go to the playoff.

Now deeper in the table, the Ulster Elks (1-2-1), UCC Raiders 2nd (1-3) and Downpatrick Saints (1-3) could be giving us some upset. If the Hurricanes and Trojans were to loose both their games and the Elks were to win both their games then the Elks would go to the playoff as 5th or 6th seed (tie-breaker would apply against the Rhinos). If the Elks, the Hurricanes and Trojans were to lose both games and UCC were to win both their games then they would take the 6th seed. Same scenario for the Saints if all four teams currently above them were to loose both their games.

All in all, nothing is certain yet which should make for some great games this Saturday at the Dundalk IT Sports Grounds from 11am.

Now for the EBC. The EBC is the Premier League of Flag Football in Ireland and as such we have some of the best teams and players in the country battling it out to claim the sought title of Emerald Bowl Champions or National Champions.

Just like the GBC, it started with twelve teams, who were the top twelve teams from the EBC 2018 season. Just like the GBC, only the top six teams will be eligible to compete in the playoff with a shot at the championship at the Sport Ireland Campus on the 2nd of November. We would like to point out that even though this is the “premier league” of flag football, we did not go through the season unscathed as the season was plagued with a string of forfeits – which will be addressed at the end of the season.

With that out of the way – what’s cooking in the EBC?

Well the season is basically over for UCD (2-5-1), Meath Bulldogs (0-8) and Dublin Rebels (0-8).

Current National Champions Craigavon Cowboys (6-0) and Emerald Bowl 5 runners-up Louth Mavericks (6-0) are seating comfortably at 1st and 2nd and have already booked their ticket to the playoff although we do not yet know which will be topping the group. Mavericks have two tough fixtures against 3rd seed Edenderry Eagles (5-2) and 7th seed Trinity (3-3) with Trinity playing it all out to make the playoff a second year in a row. Some cracking games to watch there.

The Cowboys, being a competitive team, will try to keep they clean record and grab the highly sought after 8-0 perfect season against the 8th seed UCC Raiders and 9th seed Westmeath Minotaurs (also first ever Emerald Bowl champions in 2015). Both teams are on the hunt for a much needed 6th seed to make the playoff.

This is the Dublin Bay Raptors’ (4-2) second EBC appearance, and while they came very close to make the playoff last year for EBC 2018, they are now in a good position to reach the tops seeds if only they make sure to win two tough fixtures against Trinity and Belfast Trojans (4-3). The Raptors, Trojans and Knights are all on 12 points but the Knights have no fixtures left to play and while currently seating at 6th, are on the fence and will have to wait and hope that both Trinity and UCC lose both their games as one win would be enough for either Trinity or UCC to make the playoff as the Knights lost a game against both teams and would lose on head-to-head.

Some exciting games ahead to look forward to kicking off at 11am at the Newbridge College sports ground.

Good luck to all!!

What We Learned from GBC’s Week 1 Games

The set – Portadown, People’s Park – mostly sunny with a comfortable 17°C.

The teams: Belfast Trojans 2nd, Belfast Razorbacks, Cork City Outlaws, Craigavon Cowboys, Downpatrick Saints, Galway Warriors, Louth Mavericks 2nd, South Dublin Panthers, and West Dublin Rhinos.

Four teams, the Cowboys, Outlaws, Panthers and Razorbacks have scored more than average of 35 points per game, with the Razorbacks scoring the most points on the day with a 64-28 win over the Warriors.

Cowboys, Panthers, Razorbacks and Mavericks are all 2-0 to kick off their season with the Cowboys topping the table with a better point difference.

Four teams had a tough start, Warriors, Saints, Rhinos and Trojans but will have a chance to get back into it on October 5th in Castleknock.

All in all, a good kick off for the inaugural season of the Glas Bowl Conference. It will be interesting to see how the top four teams will fair when playing against each other and who will come on top. It would also be good to see if the the 0-2 teams can pull off a come back and make the playoff by season-end. The top six teams at the end of week 4 will be eligible for a playoff birth.

Next up – week 2 games in Castleknock on the 5th of October.

Current Standings

[ninja_tables id="15311"]

GBC 2019 Week 1 Preview

IAFA Flag Football inaugural Glas Bowl Conference is about to kick off this Saturday. We thought we’d spend the next few weeks introducing all thirteen teams competing for a place in the playoff, a chance to win bowl and a shot at being promoted to the EBC for the 2020 season. That being said, all thirteen teams are either brand new teams or returning teams in need of development to be more competitive.

The GBC 2019 season will kick off with nine teams and nine games in the People’s Park, Portadown. You can find all fixtures from this page Flag Football | GBC. The nine teams are the Belfast Razorbacks, Belfast Trojans 2nd, Cork City Outlaws, Craigavon Cowboys 2nd,  Downpatrick Saints, Galway Warriors, Louth Mavericks 2nd, South Dublin Panthers, West Dublin Rhinos.

This week, we had the pleasure to chat with team managers and head coaches from three of the teams playing this Saturday. We talked to Robert McCann, head coach of the South Dublin Panthers; Niall Quinn, team manager of the Craigavon Cowboys 2nd team, and Aaron Buckley, team manager of the Cork City Outlaws.

SOUTH DUBLIN PANTHERS - Robert McCann, HEAD COACH
GBC_Flag Football Gloves_Panthers

IAFA: You previously competed in the EBC, which is now the premier league of flag football in Ireland, unfortunately your team did not make the cut and have to compete in the newly formed and lower GBC league. How did you take to the news?

RMC: We see it more as an opportunity to build for the future. We have a lot of new players in the squad

and the GBC, which we believe will be just as competitive, is the perfect competition for them to learn and grow.

IAFA: This is the 3rd season your flag team is now competing for, how did you approach your pre-season preparation?

RMC: We have a lot of young guys who have been with the team since the start. We’ve built this year’s team around them and our preparation has been to cater to their strengths. Training has been intense, competitive and fun.

IAFA: What are your goals for the season?

RMC: Here at the Panthers, our flag program is to build for the future, introduce athletes from other sporting backgrounds to American Football, compete and most importantly have fun doing it. Coming off the back of a

blackboard-panthers

historic kitted season, we have built a strong flag team to go out and compete this year. Our goal is to challenge for the division and earn promotion to the EBC.

IAFA: Who are your players to watch?

RMC: We are a team and every player is an important part of it. Certainly for me the two youngest members of the team, Jack Doyle and Stephen Gillis are two guys who have a bright future in Irish American Football.

IAFA: What other team do you think will provide your biggest challenge?

RMC: The only team we have played before as an organisation is the West Dublin Rhinos so we are looking forward to that match up vs our neighbours. The rest of the league is an unknown right now. We look forward to seeing what they have.

IAFA: Since most teams in the GBC are new or in development, what would you can have your team have the edge over other teams in the GBC?

RMC: Our experience playing some of the top flag football teams in the country is great to have under our belts but we still got to do our jobs and play panthers football. We’re not taking any game for granted.

IAFA: With the newly revived National Flag Football programme kicking off this month, will your focus be a little different than just winning the season?

RMC: I believe we have a team of athletes that can compete at international level. My job is to prepare them for our season, keep them focused and win our games. If they can get noticed by the program and get a call up, that is a bonus. They will earn it in season.

IAFA: Alongside the 20×20 campaign to increase female participation in all sports, IAFA have very much emphasised on having more female involved in playing or managing our sport. How are you considering recruiting more female members for your club?

RMC: We are all about inclusiveness but it’s been tough retaining female members this season. Like with a lot of people, men and women that started training with us at the start of the season, there’s been a couple of clashes with other sports and activities that they are already involved in and they haven’t been able to continue with us. We as a club need to focus more on recruiting women into the sport. We are looking into linking in with the local rugby clubs and running a female only team in 2020.

IAFA: For any potential volunteers considering being involved in American Football, what roles would you have available?

RMC: Our Flag Football programme is on the lookout for one or two assistant. They wouldn’t need any experience to start. It would be great to have a helping hand setting up practices and managing the team. Let the players play and the coaches coach.

IAFA: With the season kicking off this weekend, what last advice will you give your team before their first game?

RMC: There’s incredible talent and chemistry in this team. Things will go our way and some things won’t, just be there for your team mates, enjoy every moment and the w is yours for the taken.

CRAIGAVON COWBOYS 2ND - Niall Quinn, Team Manager
GBC_Flag Football Gloves_Cowboys

IAFA: Your club already has a flag football team competing in the EBC, you have decided to enter a 2nd team in the new GBC league. What is your objective behind this?

NQ: Main goals for the GBC team is to give new members an opportunity to play as much as possible on the field. Our team motto is FUN. We want our

team to have fun playing flag. We try not to take it too serious to make it more enjoyable. Of course we want to win but it’s about building a team bond.

IAFA: Since most teams in the GBC are new or in development, what would make your team have the edge over other teams in the GBC?

NQ: Our experience from playing in the Champions bowl (European competition) and some of the members form last years championship winning team will have a wise eye on the game. Hoping it pays off and new members learn from their experience.

IAFA: What of the other GBC teams do you think will give your team the biggest challenge this season?

NQ: I think all the other teams will give us a good game. We are hoping for a few wins. The biggest challenges will be the Mavericks and Trojans I would think but you never know until the final whistle.

blackboard-cowboys

IAFA: Who are your players to watch?

NQ: Our championship winning Quaterback from last year, Ben Fallon, will be heading up our GBC team he will be leading the offence. New team member Neil Maxwell will be quite the eye opener as well as a few un suspecting guys that will be the back bone to our Defence like Jason Duddy

IAFA: With the newly revived National Flag Football programme kicking off this month, will your focus be a little different than just winning the season?

NQ: Yes for the Cowboys it’s about building a team win or loose. Having fun, enjoying the game and learning plays and techniques so that next year they can progress to the A team in EBC.

IAFA: Alongside the 20×20 campaign to increase female participation in all sports, IAFA have very much emphasised on having more female involved in playing or managing our sport. How are you considering recruiting more female members for your club?

NQ: Last year we ran a womens only day wish attracted a good interest. I think this year we will be focusing on Personal trainers and a few other areas to get the word out that this new sport can be very rewarding and woman can be as involved as the men. We have a few plans to run woman only days throughout this season and invite them down to watch a few games.

IAFA: For any potential volunteers considering being involved in American Football, what roles would you have available?

NQ:There is always a need for non playing members to help out with jobs like pitch preparation, video work, and running games and training sessions. Volunteers are a big help to run the back ground work and let the playing team focus on preparing for games.

IAFA: With the season kicking off this weekend, what last advice will you give your team before their first game?

NQ: Have fun! Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If your struggling with anything let us know.

CORK CITY OUTLAWS - AARON BUCKLEY, Team Manager
GBC_Flag Football Gloves_Outlaws

IAFA: Inaugural season for your team, tell us a bit about how your team came to be?

AB: We were formed from the ashes of another team last year with a new coach and several new additions

IAFA: What are your goals for the season?

AB: We are going to try and win the league! But as we don’t know what the quality of teams we will face yet, we will first be aiming to reach the playoff and take it from there.

IAFA: How has your team prepared for the upcoming season?

AB: Not as well as we would have liked! As a lot of us in are married with kids and all the time restraints which come with that. However we have trained most of the time twice a week so our basics should hopefully be up to scratch for when the season kicks off.

IAFA: Who are your players to watch?

AB:Coach and QB Richie Otto has a fast and accurate arm. Also keep an eye out for our new running back Kadar Gyula and his turn of pace.

IAFA: What other team do you think will give you your biggest challenge this season?

blackboard-outlaws

AB: Simply the teams with the most experience, which usually are the flag football teams affiliated with kitted clubs or EBC clubs who have also entered a seconds team (usually long standing flag football organisations).

IAFA: Since most teams in the GBC are new or in development, what would make your team have the edge over other teams in the GBC?

AB: I don’t think we will have too much of an edge to be honest. Our average age is approaching 40 so any advantage we have in experience is counterbalanced by our relative lack of athleticism!

IAFA: What will assure your team meets your goal to reach the playoff?

AB: Staying calm and focused in our upcoming games and doing a hell of a lot more training in the next few months

IAFA: Alongside the 20×20 campaign to increase female participation in all sports, IAFA have very much emphasised on having more female involved in playing or managing our sport. How are you considering recruiting more female members for your club?

AB: Mainly by word of mouth we have been trying to encourage female friends and family to start playing. On our posters and social media we will be making it clear we are open to females too

IAFA: With the newly revived National Flag Football programme kicking off this month, will your focus be a little different than just winning the season?

AB: As a team not really to be honest. We do have a few players with the potential to make the step up but our priorities will be to win each game as they come. If we do that then it will naturally provide the platform for some of our players to shine

IAFA: For any potential volunteers in the Cork area considering joining an American football team, what roles would you have available?

AB: We are always looking to recruit and welcome everyone with open arms. Any volunteer or potential player can find the Outlaws on social media and for sure we will find a way to include them

IAFA: What advice will you give your team before their first game?

AB: Specifically that’s up to the coach on game day. But certainly some advice I would expect us all to heed to would be to go out and enjoy yourselves, be respectful of the opposition and referees. Win or lose, any day you are out throwing a football around is a good day!

Volunteer With An American Football Club

Ever thought about VOLUNTEERING with an American football club?

You don’t have to play to be part of something special. There are many roles available in every club such as coaches, team managers, game day personnel, photographers, videographers, statisticians, graphic design, equipment managers plus many more

Check out our A-Z of clubs and get in contact with your nearest club to get involved:

Thanks to T. McCann and M. Lavery for the photos.

Flag Football Leagues Fixtures Live

Official fixtures for the upcoming IAFA Flag Football Emerald Bowl Conference (EBC) and the Glas (as in Irish for green) Bowl Conference (GBC) seasons are now live.

Little fact – this is the most flag football teams (25) competing in an organised league setting at the same time on the island, ever!!
 
The EBC is now entering its sixth season. It is the premier league of flag football in Ireland, with the top twelve flag football teams on the island to compete for the national championship or Emerald Bowl VI – currently held by the two-time champions Craigavon Cowboys. This season promises to be very competitive.
 
 
Its sister league, the GBC, will kick off its inaugural season on the 7th of September. The GBC is a bit like the championship is to the premier league in soccer. This season will see thirteen teams,  either new or returning, who will have a shot at the championship. Even though the level of game will be lower than the EBC, we would not be surprised to see some great games and competition taking place.
 
 
Both leagues will see the conclusion of their respective season with playoff and bowl games – Emerald Bowl VI and Glas Bowl I – taking place on the same day and at the same venue that is the National Sports Campus on the 2nd of November. The top 6 GBC teams and the top 6 EBC teams will battle it out for a shot at the championship.
 
With the creation of a new league we are also introducing a promotion/relegation scheme between EBC and GBC. In short, one EBC team will be relegated to the GBC and one GBC team will be promoted to the EBC. We also have a playoff game between the 2nd GBC seed and the 11th EBC seed to determine another possible set of relegation/promotion between the two leagues. All in all, two teams could go up and two teams could go down making the competition really interesting.
This will also ensure a fairly levelled EBC league in the long-run and a reason to improve and compete for all GBC teams.
 

You can find all fixtures under Flag Football/Leagues Details or click on the images below.

 
 

Flag Football 2019 Team Registration Open

Team Registration for IAFA Flag Football 2019  is now open. The form can be found here.

IAFA Flag Football will be running two mixed leagues this season. The Emerald Bowl Conference (EBC) and the Glas (Green) Bowl Conference (GBC).

The EBC has now become the premier league for Flag Football in Ireland, and the 2019 season will see the top 12 teams from EBC18 compete for the national championship.

The GBC is a new league created for new teams wanting to give a go at Flag Football and also for returning teams needing a bit of TLC to hopefully reach the EBC in a future season.

We will also allow for clubs to field two teams if their numbers are consequent enough to do so. If a club has already a team in the EBC, then the second team will be automatically entered in the GBC. If this is the club’s first time playing Flag Football, then both their teams will be competing in the GBC. As the end of the season, only one of the two teams will be allowed in the EBC (if in a position to do so) with the weaker team forfeiting any promotion to the next team in the overall standings.

As it stands and based on EBC18 these are the 12 teams to enter EBC19:

1. Craigavon Cowboys 2. Louth Mavericks
3. Trinity College Dublin 4. Edenderry Eagles
5. Belfast Knights 6. Belfast Trojans
7. UCC 8. Dublin Bay Raptors
9. UCD 10. Westmeath Minotaurs
11. UL Vikings 12. Dublin Rebels

Registration for EBC teams closes on April 15th.
Registration for all others teams closes on April 30th.

More details on rules for both leagues to follow.

IAFA Glas Bowl Conference

This year will see the inaugural season of the newly established IAFA Glas Bowl Conference or GBC league.

While the Emerald Bowl Conference (EBC) is now tailored for the top 12 teams in Ireland to compete for the national championship, the GBC has been especially created for brand new teams wanting to give a go at Flag Football and also for returning teams needing a bit of TLC to hopefully reach the EBC in a future season.

The core goal of the GBC is to foster a vision of growth and learning of Flag Football and ultimately American Football, without the daunting pressure to compete against seasoned and experienced teams while still being competitive.

The season will run like its sister league. This is a mixed leagues for players 16 years old and upward. The format will see several teams meeting in one venue and play a set of games on the same day.

Although all EBC teams now must have a certified coach to compete, GBC teams do not. The only requirements is for all players to be registered with IAFA and for all teams to have the proper playing equipment.

The season will kick off during the second half of August to finish the last week of October.

GBC teams will have the chance to be promoted to the EBC at the end of the season while some EBC teams will also be relegated to the GBC ensuring the competitive legitimacy of both leagues in the long run.

If you have any questions as to what the requirements are just contact us through our online form here.

Looking forward to see you compete in the GBC in the near future.

Team registration will open very soon. Stay tuned.