Programs

Comprehensive programs for athletes of all skill levels—from grassroots beginners to elite performers preparing for international opportunities.

Each AFEDEV program is designed with clear outcomes, qualified coaching, and pathways that connect performance on the field with education and career readiness.

American Football Foundation Training — Refs & Coaches program banner

Upcoming · Sep 8

American Football Foundation Training — Refs/Coaches · Wheelchair, Tackle & Flag Football

AFEDEV is delivering a dedicated Foundation Training program for Coaches and Referees of American Football, led by expert practitioners. This program provides a formal, internationally recognised grounding in the rules, officiating standards, and coaching methodology of American football — ideal for those looking to officiate or coach at a competitive level.

📅 Event Details
Tuesday, September 8 · 5:30 – 7:30pm (Africa/Lagos timezone)
Format: Online via Google Meet
Join Google Meet →
Program Focus
Designed for Coaches and Referees — covering rules knowledge, officiating mechanics, on-field positioning, coaching progressions, and inclusive play including wheelchair and flag football variants.

Meet the Trainers

Commissioner, Wheelchair AF — BAFA (UK)
Gee Griffiths

I am Gee Griffiths and I am the Commissioner for wheelchair American football with BAFA the governing body for American football in the UK. I am also a member of a new development group set up to develop and promote the sport internationally. I have been involved in American football in the UK since the 80's when I used to play, I then became the chairman of that same club, a volunteer with both BAFA and IFAF as well as holding down a full time job. About 6 years ago I approached BAFA with the idea of creating a wheelchair version of the sport. I quickly got the go-ahead to develop this into a reality, where I then worked on creating the sport and writing a specific rule book for the UK. Now nearly 7 years later I have had the pleasure of going out to meet lots of people who would like to play, grow, and see this sport flourish in the UK and globally. I have spent time visiting various expos and events to introduce the sport and held inclusive sessions across the country. I will continue to do this whilst creating 3 hubs, where we can evolve and grow the sport and allow clubs to develop from these. The 3 first hubs will be in the North, The Midlands and one in the South. My long term goal is to have this new exciting fast sport as part of the Paralympics, Invictus Games and The World Games, as well as local teams competing in a national league and our own Team GB competing internationally. I have also recently completed a Walking version of the sport, based around flag football — this discipline opens the doors to many more people to be able to take part in our sport. Both of these disciplines are signed off by IFAF so are ready for world wide play. Miracles can happen they just take time, and Inclusive Disability American Football will be here to stay for years to come.

UK Development Team Coach — American Football
Coach Matthew Micklethwaite

I have been involved in disability sports for the past 15 years, including basketball, rugby league and for the past 6 years, American football. Developing an inclusive environment within sports is one of my key passions and sitting this alongside my passion for American football opened up some incredible opportunities to develop a sport I love and make it accessible to all. I have coached at GB level wheelchair basketball, and currently coaching the UK development team for American football. Alongside this I also play and coach flag American football and a big Cleveland Browns fan, who I know also have strong links within Nigeria, so this is an exciting opportunity to support your ongoing growth!

Sports Intelligence & Diplomacy Expert
AWASUM E. M. JUNIOR

Mr. Awasum is a humanist and consultant on development, entrepreneurship and sports diplomacy. A Pan-Africanist by conviction, he began his career in corporate communications and journalism.

He worked to improve the brand image of many African sports organizations, including sportsmen and women, which has earned him an election in Cameroon as the first ever pioneer president of the Cameroon American Football Federation.

He has long campaigned for Africa to occupy a place of honor and choice in the world sports movement — including the organisation of a World Cup in Africa (South Africa 2010), the African village at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and the launch of NBA Africa in Dallas.

Today, Mr. Awasum heads the Cameroon American Football Federation, which he led to the World Championship in Finland — making Cameroon the first ever African country to attend the IFAF World Championship and the only African country currently ranked (32nd position).

In 2023, Mr. Awasum was elected at the IFAF Congress in Paris to the position of Continental Chairperson for Africa at the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). In 2022, he was decorated to the rank of Knight of Sports Order of Merit by H.E. President Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon.

Wheelchair American Football Academy

Our specialized adaptive sports program is designed specifically for para-athletes. It provides structured training in Wheelchair American Football, focusing on building athleticism, team coordination, and strategic play in an inclusive and supportive environment.

  • Wheelchair propulsion, maneuverability, and chair safety
  • Adaptive throwing, receiving, and blocking progressions
  • Offensive and defensive chair positioning and team schemes
  • Inclusive strength, conditioning, and athletic development
  • Leadership, team communication, and strategic film sessions

Program eligibility: Open to para-athletes of all age categories (placement based on assessment)

View Academy Details
Wheelchair American Football Practice

Youth Academy Program

Foundational training for ages 10–18 focused on skills, teamwork, discipline, and athletic development. Ideal for athletes new to American football or building core competencies before advanced pathways.

  • Position fundamentals and safe technique progression
  • Strength and conditioning appropriate to age group
  • Character and leadership training
  • Academic support and study skills coaching

Age categories: U12 • U15 • U18 (placement by assessment)

Register for Academy

High-Performance Athlete Program

Advanced program preparing athletes for collegiate scholarships or professional pathways. Emphasis on measurable performance, tactical IQ, and recruitment readiness.

  • Speed, agility, and explosive power development
  • Tactical understanding and game intelligence
  • Biomechanics and movement efficiency
  • Video analysis and performance review
  • Mentorship and career guidance
Request assessment

School Outreach Program

AFEDEV partners with primary and secondary schools to introduce American football through clinics, workshops, and after-school programs—building participation safely and sustainably.

  • Introductory clinics for students and PE staff
  • After-school training blocks
  • Equipment and safety guidance for institutions
  • Pathways into academy and combine programs
Partner your school

Football Combine & Showcases

Annual event where athletes demonstrate performance metrics before local and international scouts. Includes timed drills, position work, and interview readiness.

  • 40-yard dash, agility, and power testing
  • Position-specific evaluations
  • Highlight film and profile support
  • Scout and recruiter attendance (as scheduled)
View combine details

Coaching Education Workshops

Training for upcoming coaches, PE teachers, and sports educators—building a qualified coaching pipeline across Nigeria.

  • Fundamentals of American football coaching
  • Safety, safeguarding, and athlete welfare
  • Session planning and age-appropriate progressions
  • Certification pathways (calendar published on Events page)
View workshop calendar