The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has announced a new partnership with the Ann Craft Trust to enhance best practice and ensure the welfare and wellbeing of athletes within American football.
The multi-year agreement will boost safeguarding policies and procedures across IFAF and its 70+ member federations. It aims to deliver a robust framework to protect players and promote safer inclusion in all areas of the game, from grassroots to the elite level.
The Ann Craft Trust will oversee the development and delivery of a bespoke training and education programme for IFAF’s member federations. Following a detailed audit of existing safeguarding policies and infrastructure, The Trust will assist IFAF in implementing a new safeguarding framework. It will also provide the necessary tools, training and resources for member federations to use.
There will also be a series of online and in-person seminars rolling out the new policy, including at the upcoming IFAF Congress in Paris in November.
Serve. Inspire. Grow. Compete.
IFAF’s wider development strategy has four pillars that underpin the organisation’s vision:
- Serve
- Inspire
- Grow
- Compete
The strategy comes at a time of transformational growth for the sport and federation. American football is enjoying explosive popularity around the world, and we’re also seeing an exponential rise in flag football participation.
A Safe, Inclusive and Welcoming Sport
We are delighted to partner with the industry leading experts at the Ann Craft Trust on this vital area of governance. Providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming sport is paramount and a key element of our global development strategy.
The American football family worldwide is experiencing unprecedented growth. It is crucial that we remain relentlessly focused on ensuring we have world-class governance structures and policies in place. This will help secure our players’ welfare and wellbeing at all times and at all levels of the game.
– Pierre Trochet, IFAF President
Learn more about the IFAF Congress Paris 2023Both IFAF and the Ann Craft Trust share a commitment to ensuring that everyone can safely play and enjoy their sport. This partnership is clear evidence of that. We look forward to seeing the progress within American football as the game grows in popularity and attracts new audiences.
– Stuart Sale, Ann Craft Trust CEO