2018/19 has been a stellar year for IAFA that’s seen a 31% increase in unique membership, with particularly strong growth at youth level, in female membership and officials. These statistics formed part of our Commissioners (interim, Brian Cleary) report at yesterday’s AGM.
| Year |
Unique Members |
% +/- |
| 2017 |
1314 |
+7% |
| 2018 |
1256 |
-4% |
| 2019 |
1641 |
+31% |
Overall memberships totalled 1774 – this includes members who took one more than one membership e.g. registered as an official and player.
| Year |
Overall Memberships |
% +/- |
| 2017 |
1567 |
|
| 2018 |
1635 |
+4% |
| 2019 |
1774 |
+9% |
Youth football had huge growth this year, thanks to the addition of four new teams to the youth league. Youth football is key to the future of our sport and whilst IAFA is pleased with this increase, IAFA will continue to push this growth and encourages more clubs to join the youth league in 2020.
Officiating was another department that seen considerable growth. There have been changes made to the operations of the officiating department, including 5 new personnel appointed to help improve standards across the whole department. The success of this can be clearly seen, with an 81% rise in the amount of trained and registered officials.
| Year |
Youth Kitted |
Officials |
Other |
| 2017 |
70 |
78 |
173 |
| 2018 |
63 |
75 |
44 |
| 2019 |
123 |
136 |
106 |
IAFA is delighted with the increase in female membership, with members taking on roles across all areas including kitted and flag players, coaches, officials and volunteers (club and NGB level). IAFA has worked hard to increase the visibility of American football to females as part of Sport Irelands 20×20 strategy. IAFA will continue to strategize to increase female membership and welcomes all feedback to help with that strategy.
Slight decreases were noted in the number of senior kitted players and coaches – IAFA are working hard to address this to ensure that these increase next year.
| Year |
Coaches |
Senior Kitted |
Flag |
| 2017 |
99 |
956 |
191 |
| 2018 |
125 |
1006 |
322 |
| 2019 |
110 |
968 |
331 |
Statistics collected using the IAFA registration system (Azolve).