NFL ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NFL ACADEMY IN AUSTRALIA, EXPANDING GLOBAL FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
Photo Courtesy of NFL Academy
The National Football League (NFL) has unveiled plans to establish an NFL Academy in Australia, slated to commence operations in September 2024. The initiative marks a significant milestone in the NFL's ongoing commitment to fostering long-term global football development and providing pathways for international talent.
The NFL Academy, a flagship program by the NFL, will offer promising student-athletes from the Asia-Pacific region the unique opportunity to pursue full-time education alongside intensive training in American football (tackle). Under the guidance of a world-class coaching staff, participants will receive comprehensive instruction aimed at honing their athletic skills and preparing them for future opportunities in the sport.
Brett Gosper, Head of Europe and APAC with the NFL, emphasized the program's significance in advancing football development efforts worldwide. "The NFL Academy program is a significant league initiative that is driving football development efforts globally," said Gosper. "We look forward to bringing the program to the Gold Coast, Australia, and continuing to build authentic player pathways for international talent."
Based at A.B. Paterson College in south-east Queensland on Australia's Gold Coast, the NFL Academy will collaborate with the college to offer athletic, educational, and career pathway opportunities for student-athletes and the broader community.
"We are excited to announce this landmark partnership and celebrate the start of generational opportunities for our students, staff, and the Gold Coast community," said Joanne Sheehy, Principal of A.B. Paterson College. "The NFL Academy will provide employment, training, and pathway opportunities for school students through the NFL, the Academy, and the NFL's wider partner network."
The NFL and A.B. Paterson College, in collaboration with the City of Gold Coast and the Queensland State Government, will fund and construct a state-of-the-art NFL Academy facility on the college grounds, scheduled for completion in 2026. The facility will serve as a hub for elite high-performance training and will be accessible to the local community.
NFL offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jordan Mailata, will serve as an ambassador for the NFL Academy in Australia. Reflecting on his journey from being scouted by the NFL to playing at Super Bowl LVII, Mailata expressed enthusiasm for the impact the academy will have on aspiring athletes in the region.
"The Asia-Pacific region is rich in sporting talent, and I look forward to seeing the next generation of football players craft their own pathway to playing in the NFL," said Mailata.
In addition to offering opportunities for aspiring football players, the NFL Academy will play a pivotal role in promoting flag football across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond. In collaboration with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), the league aims to cultivate grassroots and elite-level participation in the sport.
Recruitment camps for the NFL Academy will commence in Australia and New Zealand in June 2024, with successful participants joining the inaugural academic class of the academy. Athletes interested in applying can visit www.NFLAcademy.com for more information.
The NFL Academy in Australia builds on the success of the first academy launched in the U.K. in September 2019, which has seen numerous alumni secure college football scholarships in the U.S. Nike, Wilson, New Era, and Riddell are supporting partners of the NFL Academy program.
By Steven Cuoco