Chairman's Report

KFAF Background

The Kenya Federation of American Football (KFAF) is a Non-Profit sports organization registered by the Ministry of Sports and Culture to govern, regulate and the develop American Football. KFAF is also an International Federation of American Football (IFAF) affiliate member.

The genesis of game date to 2012, with the piloting starting at the University of Nairobi. There has been tremendous growth for the last six years and, now boasting of three universities and two community teams that compete in the local 9-men league. Our combined national university participated in the Inaugural East Africa Championship held in Uganda in 2012 where fives nations took part and Kenya team emerged second overall. We were also on a world stage to showcase the game during FASU 2014 games at the University of Nairobi that saw 10 countries participate.

American football has continued to be an area of growth and this year we have rolled out a flag football development plan to equip and register universities, colleges, Clubs and high schools for both men and women across the country. Therefore, will conduct numerous tours, coaching clinics, tournaments, leagues with approximate reach to 6000 athletes and 100 plus volunteer coaches. This will also assist on National team selections for U17, U19, Senior flag tournaments both men and women for 2019.

In addition, Kenya will play host to Inaugural IFAF AFRICA congress where strategic planning and leaders’ election will take place. Delegates from all African countries will attend with special guest from Europe and USA the home of NFL.

Our partnership with USA Football for coaching programs and conferences has played a major role in sports development. In the previous years we had an opportunity to work with Broadband tours (2014), Kenya Airways ticket sponsor (2013 & 2015), Chilly willy (2016) as partners and event sponsors.

Our mission is to be a leading sports organization in fun and experience. We are also a transparent, reliable and trustworthy organisation, values that your company products and services will be proud to associate with. We therefore welcome you to join our quest that will promote quality American football programs and deliver outstanding competitions both locally and internationally.

Sincerly 

George Alwanga

Chair KFAF

Usa Football Confrence

KFAF officials had an oppotunity to attend educative confrences organised by USA Football in Orlando, Florida. Being the only african Nation at the confence, they recieved alot of attention as coaches in the USA were intrigued by our developments. 

USA Football’s National Conference is an education and networking opportunity for administrators and coaches across the sport to gain insight on best practices, innovation and smarter play.  National Conference drew more than 1,500 football leaders, including international guests from Canada, Mexico, Scotland and Kenya

"We are happy of our development and will focus to deliver similar program  in Kenya." said the chair

Ifaf-Africa Appointment

Kenya Federation of American Football (KFAF) is honored to announce the appointment of George Alwanga as the director of international Federation of American Football (IFAF) in Africa;from the just concluded International Federation of American Football (IFAF) annual congress held in Panama.He has served as the president of Kenya Federation of American Football (KFAF) and with his wealth of experience over the years and proving his commitment to the sport we are therefore excited to have him in this new leadership position to help us actualize our visions.

He is tasked to further International Federation of American Football (IFAF ) agendas across the continent, this will include introducing the game to other countries and creating American Football related events whilst nurturing talents…

In his acceptance letter to the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) Mr.Alwanga stated…

“It is with great humility and gratitude that I accept the honor to serve as International Federation of American Football (IFAF), Director-Africa. I appreciate the confidence the congress has shown in me. Prior commitments made it impossible for me to attend personally but rest assured that I look forward to serving and offering excellent and significant contribution to International Federation of American Football (IFAF)-Africa. I am prepared to perform my responsibilities and set up objectives getting into the dynamics of creating new events for Africa.

Thank you for extending, to me, this wonderful opportunity which will allow me put the continent on the global map by introducing the game to other African Nations and thus expanding International Federation of American Football (IFAF) membership whilst nurturing talents.”

This appointment is well deserved and we wish him the very best on all his future endeavors.

Community Outreach-Flag Football For Juniors

The chairman of the Kenya Federation of American Football has finally rolled out the primary school/ secondary school outreach program. This is just one of the many programs they had planned for the year in an effort to popularize the sport further.

Earlier this year, KFAF came up with many resolutions including the desire to launch an official league and get the game to the grassroots. Well, it seems like they have embarked on implementation and everything is looking good so far.

The program was undertaken by the Umoja chiefs, one of the teams that is set to showcase their talent in the league later this year, and is sure to trickle down to the rest of the teams especially the university of Nairobi team and the Jomo Kenyatta University team.

Most league teams commence practice on Wednesdays through to Saturdays with Sunday regarded as a day of rest. As it turns out the players will be free to engage with schools of their choice on Mondays and Tuesdays to conduct community service or outreach by teaching the younger generations the new game and trying to get them to express interest and later join the league.

The chairman, Mr George Alwang’a believes that it is possible to get both the primary schools and the secondary schools in the league in the near future. Then the game might also be incorporated into the local games circuit that happens yearly in Kenya.

So the Umoja chiefs, with the stewardship of Suleiman Shaban the team captain have commenced on training younger children from Umoja estate in Nairobi. The team is currently known as the junior chiefs and their training largely comprises of interesting flag football as opposed to contact football. Despite the large size of the football, the young stars seem to be having the time of their life given the engaging nature of the game.

The kids are quick learns and it’s impressive how the want to play the sport every day I come out to train.’ Shaban said. The administration was also very supportive of their bid given it kept the children engaged and excited.

Shaban also expressed his concern on behalf of the kids. They were facing a problem of lack of sizeable balls and flags to augment the beauty of the game. Currently, they are using college footballs which are apparently too big for them.

The children didn’t seem to notice the size of the ball though, given they were experiencing the game for the first time but boy would they have loved it if they could throw the ball and play quarter backs just like in the movies.

This is definitely a big step for KFAF and if they keep the momentum up and high, they might achieve both their short term and long term goals in record time. The precedence has been set. My guess. American Football is soon coming to the Nairobi neighbourhoods. Its too early to call it a revolution but that is what it will be in the coming years.

Pictures for the flag football team.

Umoja Chiefs Squash Jkuat Sparrows

The Umoja Chiefs had their debut match as a team in the Kenyan-American football league in a match with the formidable JKUAT Sparrows. Surprisingly, the obvious underdogs in the match upset the last year’s league leaders, the Sparrows. The win was convincingly firm with the final score being 38-16. This was in the recently formed 8-man league that has been running for three weeks now.

Community work

Early that morning the teams together with their partners Eagle mamas were involved in a charity program dubbed ‘fungua mtaro’ with the aim of cleaning and maintaining a conducive environment for the residents of Embakasi East. The event was organized by Eagle mamas founder-Cynthia Gitogna supported by the incumbent Member of Parliament George Theuri. Both diehard fans of the Umojachiefs.

UmojaChiefs currently are being coached by the Former Mighty Nyati quarterback George, a veteran in the Kenyan version of American Football. In the post-match interview, he stated that he had studied the opponents and designed plays for his players to specifically beat them. He didn’t shy away from sounding warnings to the University of Nairobi-Mighty Nyati, his former team and the next opponents of the Umoja Chiefs.

The team which has been termed as the underdogs of the competition because of their few players were quick to reaffirm that they were strong contenders for the league in the wake this emphatic win.

For the match, their captain was Fidel Odhiambo also known as Maphysics with other key players including Emmanuel Juma (Viper) and Dennis Odhier (Superman). “It was an exciting first win for us, even though it was a tough game for us. We maintained our focus in the game with the goal of winning. We held on well and maximized on their mistakes well. We all thank our coach for this win.” The captain remarked.

Coach George furthered that it was their consistency in developing their playbook that was finally paying off. He was happy that it had paid off in the win against the strongest contenders of the league.

Jkuat sparrows also had a formidable offense with prominent names like Mark Omondi (dupdup), the lethal Sparrows’ running back and Felix Rambo, the quarterback that had just debuted in the league after a long time of injury. As the game unfolded, the Sparrows were stunned by the Umoja plays. Mark especially was quick to note that they were clearly overpowered by the Chiefs. Jkuat is back to the drawing board with the goal of exacting a bitter revenge on Umoja in their next game.

“It’s like they had our playbook, and they cleverly outplayed us in each and every department on the field. I congratulate them on this win, however, they should still be worried because the second time we are meeting will have the home ground advantage and will have everything in place to revenge” said Mark Jkuat Sparrows.

Coach Ted was among Spectator during the highly charged and adrenaline packed game. He commented that “All of the teams played well. However, they need to clean up on their tackling techniques.

He also later noted that the games were strategic moves to discover talent and form an 11-man Kenyan team later this year in preparation for international games.

American football is rapidly taking shape in the country and support is required to boost it to realization soon. All this can be done by sharing this and other related articles to your friends and family to raise awareness of this amazing sport in Kenya

International Academy Camp Star

The just ended camp was an astounding experience for the Kenyan athletes and representatives in canton Ohio. The camp  exposed players to complete football program in Division 1 collages. Form state of the art facilities, coaching programs, training schedules and diet program.

Lee Gullu and Abbas Yusuf U-19 athletes from Umoja chiefs football club were selected were selected through a rigorous process by the international scouts football, However Abbas did not travel due to ankle injury. Lee was impressive at the camp and coaches liked his maneuverability, speed and football IQ. when one of the officials was approached for reviews, he highlighted that most coaches(NFL) did not expect that kind of performance and knowledge of the game from a lad where football hasn’t had much of a grasp nor support. He has D2 prospects he noted.

‘This was wonderful stage set for me and many others to challenge our aptitudes, enjoy the sport and get to compete. I enjoyed the intensity we had at practice the breakdown of practice and best of all to be coached but the best in football” said lee

Besides Kenya, there were other countries that signed up players, including Guatemala, France, Belgium, England, Dubai…

Mr. Alwanga had the privilege to be at the camp and work with top NFL coaches on that sounding coaching experience. He had the following to share, “this was a great learning and interactive experience for young coaches with passion for the game and want to make a career out of it. The xs and os dominated the day but the most interesting part was how to utilize and maximize players practice time to their benefit.”

In addition, he mentioned he learnt offenses plays, coordination and when they should be executed. He points out that, defensive coverage (1,2 and 4) challenged many. ‘I encourage young enthusiastic coaches to attend this kinds of training, there is so much you can learn and network with the best in this sport.”

According to the event organizer Rich McGuiness this will be conducted annually at the hall of fame.

Talks are ongoing between  KFAF and the academy to conduct a similar exercise in Kenya in coming years targeting one hundred and fifty(150) players aged 20 and below(U20).

Just like any other sport, it grows with you with your input. your contribution in whichever way wont go unnoticed(Footballs, cleats, Helmet, shoulder pads,jersey…)

Help us by sharing this article to the world.

#AMERICANFOOTBALLINKENYA

Officials Training Program (Usa)

SHADOW TRAINING PROGRAM. CANTON OHIO

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) nominated two officials for officials training program around the world. The program was held in conjunction with senior world championship games in canton, Ohio USA.

American football continues to grow popularity around the globe, and so the training ensures that the technical support to sustain the sport and develop it is update. The two officials from Kenya part of the shadow program were Mr. George Alwanga and Mr. George kimani kishoyan.

The training program was designed to give the two and other officials an opportunity to attend and participate in multi-day classroom education (video & lectures), on-field practice drills and observe the tournament officials during the actual games. Each trainee was assigned a certified IFAF staff member who worked closely in interpretation of American football rules and officials mechanics.

They got a chance to interact with the best chosen IFAF officials around the world (Great Britain, Chile, France, Poland, Brazil, Mexico and Norway) who did share and teach them the basic of officiating high standard games. The two were supervised by IFAF officials chairman Mr. Willam D. LeMonnier and later awarded certificates for completion of the program.

They are the first to attend such kind of program not only from Kenya but Africa at large. They promised to use the acquired knowledge and skills set to help them train coaches and officials with the materials from the federation. They are also set to officiate in the incoming Africa championship games

Tour to The USA

East Africa Flag Championship

On Monday KFAF vice chair Moses ondeng flagged of a 23 man flag football team to Eldoret. The team will participate in the inaugural East African Championship tournament.  The tournament will only feature Kenya and Uganda with intent to accommodate the 6 other nations in the East Africa Economic zone for the second series. 

Initially, the tournament was scheduled to take place in Nairobi but it was moved to Moi University where Kenya University Sports association championship will take Place 17-20 of December with more than 16 registered sports disciplines.  More so, KFAF had received several requests from universities to conduct a demonstration therefore this was a perfect opportunity (Hit two birds with one stone).

 American football is the fastest growing sport in Kenya boosting of 5 university teams and two community teams. With most athletes geared towards tackle football program (Aka NFL). The International Federation of American Football (FAF) has highly endorsed flag football across the continent since it’s recognized as a competitive international sport. The world championship- tournament is scheduled to take place in Denmark summer of 2020. Flag football is easy to learn, easy to teach and fun bearing the same skills, techniques, principles and complexity as tackle football.

“Am delighted we got to put this together on a short notice with my colleague Mr. Steve Okeng (President American football Federation Uganda). This are some of the tournaments to spur developments of American football in the region and the continent at large. We have similar plans at the continental level and will see regional flag and tackle championship in 2020” said KFAF Chair.

While Steve Okeng praised KFAF for putting the eventg together and extending an invitation to them.

Good luck to team Kenya!!!!!

Volunteer Opportunities For American Football Enthusiast

Are you an enthusiast of American football in Kenya and looking for an opportunity to volunteer your time for development purposes of the sport for 6-8 months? Your time is now to apply and build up on your leadership and Management Skills under able guidance of Kenya Federation of American football (KFAF) under Ministry of Sports.

There are 12 volunteer slots and applicants should at least be familiar with the any of the following:

1. Business Administration
2. Marketing and commerce
3. Basic Accounting or Finance
4. Strategy Development
5. Sports Management.

No experience is required

You will be able to work from home, except during training days, conferences and meetings.

 Qualified persons with interest to serve in this new Project Teamshould send their resumes to info@kenyanfl.com  or Kenyanfl4@gmail.com by 20^th  November 2018.

Coaches and Referees

 If you are also experienced American Football Coach, Match official, Former player (Kenya varsity League, College USA, Semi-pro, Arena, NFL, CAFL, or any other recognized league) or conversant about football currently residing in Kenya for the 3 months able to volunteer. Feel free to contact us on info@kenyanfl.com providing your Background and will plan to discuss with you on your contribution.

The program serves to focus more on U-14, U-19 and youths/university Leagues expanding the game to other cities Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Kakamega, Kisumu, Thika…Due to the growing demand of athletes and schools. The project dubbed ‘Flag football For All’ Will be implemented in Phases through flag football for high schools while colleges and universities will be stirred towards 8v8 and 11v11 Tackle football.

Preceding the full commissioning of the project, coaching and Match official education will be provided. Core areas being Football Techniques, stances, Routes and mechanics around the game. Equipment will also be available at subsidized fee. The essence of the program is to transcend on previous projects targeting 100+ learning institutions 2019.

The launch will be done in January 2019 and will run till the End of August. Tournaments and camps will act as an avenue of evaluating the progress and achievements of the teams and athletes on individual level. This will also enable coaches to pick the best players for National teams in upcoming International championships/Tournaments.

We are open for partnerships who share similar sentiments towards sports diversity, sports development, promote equality, and enhancing the social values and goals of individuals, such as hard work, fair play, character development and teamwork while creating a platform showcase talents and skills and most importantly impart leadership roles.

The evaluations will only be carried out at the end of August 2019 after the  Men world championship games to be held in Australia.

East Africa Championship -Milestone

The inaugural East Africa champion saw Kenya host Uganda in Moi University. The game was highly attended as hungered of fans were curious to about the game and they got any opportunity to learn what a touchdown means. Most were amazed with the spin on the football once the quarterback sent a cannon downfield.

Overall, the goal pf the event was achieved. We aimed to conduct demonstrations game to universities in a bid to urge sports directors to introduce American football in their respective institution and the feedback has been overwhelming.

Secondly, this was a platform to launch the East Africa tournament to be held annually with intend to accommodate the other four countries (Rwanda, Burundi, S.Sudan and Tanzania) in both flag and tackle programs where flag will feature men and women teams in 2020.

Finally, the International Federation of American football (IFAF) was proud of our efforts and Uganda for organizing such an event. They are in full sport of flag football programs across the globe with 2020 championship set to be held in Denmark while Africa will compete in regional and continental championship in the summer of 2020.

 Results of the Championship