NFL trains teachers to coach flag football in Ghana

Some teachers from Kumasi and Accra have successfully completed a specialised training programme aimed at developing the next generation of flag football players in Ghana.

The two-day training exercise, held last Friday and Saturday at the rugby pitch of the University of Ghana, sought to equip participants with the skills and resources required to coach young talents in the rapidly growing sport.

The initiative forms part of a broader effort by the National Football League (NFL) to introduce flag football in schools and build a strong grassroots foundation through trained educators.

International Flag Football Development Manager at the NFL, Afia Law, said the programme was designed to empower teachers to take the lead in coaching while promoting wider access to the sport.

According to her, the training not only introduces children to the fundamentals of the game but also ensures that teachers are well-prepared to deliver structured coaching sessions in their respective schools.

“We hope to offer them opportunities to learn a new game to coach, and this course is designed to provide all the knowledge they need to deliver Flag Football. A big part of our programme is to remove barriers to access to sports by offering free coaching courses and providing equipment,” she stated.

Madam Law disclosed that 11 African countries are expected to benefit from the continent-wide coaching programme, with Ghana playing a central role due to its ongoing year-long development initiative.

Now in its fifth edition in Ghana, the programme continues to gain momentum, attracting growing participation from schools nationwide. She noted that an increasing number of institutions are actively competing in regional and national flag football championships.

She reaffirmed the NFL’s commitment to expanding the reach of the sport by engaging more schools, training additional teachers and encouraging greater youth participation.

One of the participants, Fred Agyiri of Elmwood International School, described the training as both timely and impactful.

He expressed confidence in applying the knowledge gained to nurture students with the potential to compete at the international level.

“The skill level of the trainers is impressive, and they are very articulate when it comes to explaining the rules of the game. It makes learning very engaging and insightful,” he noted.