From BAFA.org.uk
The BAFL announces plans for professional American Football competition in GB
By BAFL Media and Marketing
Nov 1, 2023 - 9:07:11 AM
After the great success of the recent Dolphins/Giants NFL
regular season game at Wembley Stadium, the BAFL is delighted to
formally announce it plans to to investigate the potential of
professional or semi-professional competition here in Great Britain.
BAFL Chairman. Glen Schild, stated “This topic has been discussed
informally by many within our sport over recent years. After the
success of the recent game at Wembley, the BAFL are delighted to
confirm that they will be formalising a working group to investigate
the viability of a semi-professional/professional competition here in
Great Britain”. Glen continued, “The working group will consist of BAFL
Directors as well as invitees from British spectator sports, and key
personnel from the British sporting landscape”.
BAFA WSP Manager and BAFL Media and Marketing Director, Ken Walters,
added, “The BAFL working group will undoubtedly benefit from the recent
increase in profile the National Governing Body, BAFA, has been
enjoying. Initial discussions have already taken place with other high
profile National Governing Bodies as well as government agencies”. Ken
added, “A key to the success for this project will rely upon working
with commercial partners. We have had increased interest from potential
investors recently as well as terrestrial TV broadcasters”.
Whilst the primary focus of the project will be on how to create and
sustain a successful professional American Football competition here in
Great Britain, by-products of the working group will address the
challenges that are faced by many at grassroots.
BAFL Development Director, Jeremy Rogers commented, “It is important to
note our work in this field will benefit, in many ways, all clubs in
the BAFL”. Jeremy added, “One of the many objectives of this project
will be to establish an extension of the player pathway detailed in the
BAFA Whole Sport Plan”.
Speaking about athlete development, BAFL Performance Director, Simon
Newnham added, “This project will potentially include developing one or
many centres of excellence and an “Academy athlete status” similar to
that which the FA has in Great Britain”. Simon, a consultant to BAFA
and the NFL, added, “It will be a priority of the project to ensure
athlete welfare is appropriately addressed”.
BAFL Operations Director, Mark Blyth, added, “I look forward with
anticipation to working with colleagues from other sports - this will
undoubtedly open doors that will improve the facilities for all our
clubs in Great Britain”.
BAFL Administrations Director, Nigel Clift, added, “I have visited all
the teams within the BAFL over the last few years. Many of whom face
similar challenges and issues - namely, more and better coaches,
referees and volunteers”. Nigel added “Part of my role in this working
group is to ensure these are included in the project”.
In summing up, Glen Schild concluded “Whilst this project will be
primarily investigating the potential of a professional competition in
Great Britain, working with people from other professional sports will
benefit players, coaches, referees, volunteers and fans - the five
pillars of our sport and the content of the BAFA campaign www.getintoamericanfootball.com”.
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