By: Kwame Bediako
Ghana Federation of American Football (GFAF), in a move aimed at broadening the scope of school sports, is set to launch a nationwide flag football program, starting with a specialized coaches’ training clinic. In partnership with the Ghana Education Service, this initiative seeks to integrate American football’s flag variant into the country’s educational sports curriculum, promoting physical activity and skill development among students.
The upcoming 10-day Coaches Clinic, scheduled for May 12-23, 2025, at the University of Ghana, marks a major step n Ghana’s sports development plans. The event will be held in two phases, allowing for intensive training of regional coaches, physical education coordinators, and youth leaders. By focusing on capacity building at the grassroots level, the program aims to create a sustainable model for introducing and sustaining flag football across all regions of Ghana.
Participants include 16 regional physical education coordinators, four representatives from the national Physical Education office, and seven youth leaders selected from NKWA camps. Led by experienced trainers from the USA, including Coach David Grimes, the clinic will blend theoretical knowledge with practical coaching techniques. This comprehensive approach is designed to prepare Ghanaian coaches to effectively teach and promote the sport among young athletes, ensuring its growth from the ground up.
Key stakeholders, including Mr. Mohammed Osman Nkosi of the GFAF, emphasize the importance of coaching excellence in the sport’s development. Nkosi highlighted that the success of Ghana’s flag football program relies on well-trained coaches who can inspire and guide youth. With NFL player Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah leading the federation, Ghana is positioning itself to become a hub for American football’s growth in West Africa, leveraging global expertise to boost local sports initiatives.
