What a year 2024 has been for British American Football. Since starting work in August I have been lucky enough to immerse myself in all aspects of Britball, from national programme camps to NFFL Finals – from the BAFCA Coaching Convention to Britbowl 36. I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the entire community for your warm welcome into this sport.
The investment of time and effort from our workforce of volunteers has been a genuine inspiration this year. Whether it’s the clubs, coaches, officials, supporters or contributors of any kind, we as a community are hugely grateful for everything you put into British American Football.
The recent news of our UK Sport funding is a real source of excitement, but also pride for the work that has already gone into Flag Football’s journey to the Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games in 2028. This funding will be hugely significant for the Great Britain Flag Football programme not only on the field, but off it in driving the growth of American football’s impact and profile in the UK.
We now have an incredible opportunity to bring our sport together. Be it in flag or contact football, coaching or officiating, it’s crucial that we come together under common goals and values, and inspire a generation to join us in our passion for this sport.
Attending the recent IFAF Congress opened my eyes to a great deal but most notably how much we have to be proud of in British American Football. Our work in inclusion through Wheelchair American football, our ambassadors for progress in Women’s American football and our drive for higher standards in Coach Education and Development are just a few highlights of the initiatives we continue to drive forward.
The heightened reach of that “Olympic” tagline will open up new opportunities for partnership and collaboration for British American Football and we are hugely excited to bring more and more people along with us on the journey.
I want to close by reiterating my gratitude for the enthusiasm and commitment that this community never ceases to provide. There is plenty of work to be done in the coming year, but with it more opportunities than ever before to get involved. I hope you have a wonderful festive break and a very Happy New Year.
Chad Ehlertsen
CEO, British American Football Association
