American Football is one of the rare sports that are slowly gaining momentum in Kenya.

In a bid to grow and expand the sport in the country, 11 new coaches have undergone extensive training.

The coaches participated in the inaugural and rigorous Level One program dubbed the 'Tackle Certification program' held at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Juja, Kiambu County.

The initiative, sanctioned by the Kenya Federation of American Football, KFAF, in partnership with JKUAT and Touchdown Sports, was presided over by renowned author and American Football coach Harrison Baxter who has been in the country for some time.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Kenya Federation of American Football President George Alwanga expressed his intention for the growth of the sport in the country.

“Level one coaching certification is meant to equip and develop our coaches with the fundamentals, building their skills and knowledge of American Football in Kenya. We aim to certify at least 23 coaches that will go on and manage university and high schools in Kenya,” stated Alwanga.

“The benefits of this certification extend beyond the individual coaches. For Kenya Federation of American Football, this program presents a strategic investment in the future of Kenya. By establishing a standard of excellence in coaching, KFAF aims to foster a more competitive and sustainable environment for American Football,” he added.

KFAF recently introduced the sport to Kenyan high schools with Western region rugby giants Chavakali High School being the latest beneficiary.

The completion of this program marks a pivotal moment for the sport in Kenya, as it signifies a commitment to building a robust infrastructure for American Football from the ground up.

The newly certified coaches are expected to play a crucial role in nurturing local talent and promoting the sport at the grassroots level.

Their expertise will be instrumental in organizing training camps, local leagues, and outreach programs that will introduce more young athletes to American Football.

With continued investment in training and development, American Football could soon see a surge in popularity, bringing with it the excitement that the sport is known for worldwide.