The NFL Academy is a program run by the National Football League (NFL) aimed at developing international high school students in American football and creating pathways for athletes to secure U.S. college scholarships. It is a key part of the NFL's efforts to expand and invest in football worldwide, alongside the International Player Pathway Program.[1]
Background
editThe NFL Academy was launched in 2019 and was initally based out of Barnet and Southgate College in North London. The Academy then moved to Loughborough in 2022 to enhance its academic and athletic offerings. In 2024, the NFL Academy expanded to Australia to serve the Asia-Pacific region.[1][2]
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first competitive game wasn't played until the spring of 2022, when the NFL Academy defeated Düsseldorf Panther 53-8 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The Academy has since played games in Sweden, France, Ireland, and the United States, in addition to the United Kingdom at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.[3]
Over 40 students have earned scholarships, with 19 playing Division I football as of the 2024 college football season. The current NFL Academy Europe-Africa region roster consists of 69 players from 19 different countries, 27 of which hail from the U.K. and Ireland.[4]In addition to educational opportunities, the Academy offers participants private health insurance and annual trips to the United States to attend football camps alongside American athletes. It also offers a program called NFL Futures, which supports students with post-graduation employability.[5]
Eligibility
editPotential applicants to the NFL Academy must meet specific age requirements (aged 16 – 19 U.K.; aged 12 -18 Australia) and be eligible to study in either the United Kingdom or Australia.[6][7]
Europe–Africa region
editEuropean and African participants study at Loughborough College and practice at nearby Loughborough University, which boasts the U.K.'s largest concentration of world-class sporting facilities.[8] The team is unbeaten against European-based teams and is 2-5 against American-based teams.[3]The current head coach is Steve Hagen.[9]
Asia–Pacific region
editIn September 2024, the NFL Academy expanded to A.B. Paterson College in the City of Gold Coast, Australia, the second NFL Academy for the league globally. There are plans to open an NFL-specific facility on the existing college grounds by 2026. This facility will also be open for community use.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "About - NFL Academy". www.nflacademy.com.
- ^ a b "NFL to open NFL Academy on Australia's Gold Coast". www.nfl.com.
- ^ a b "Schedule & Results - NFL Academy". www.nflacademy.com.
- ^ "Tackles and textbooks: inside the UK's NFL dream factory". www.theguardian.com.
- ^ Academy Prospectus
- ^ "Europe-Africa FAQS". www.nflacademy.com.
- ^ "Asia-Pacific FAQS". www.nflacademy.com.
- ^ "Life at the Academy - Europe-Africa". www.nflacademy.com.
- ^ "NFL Academy UK appoints Steve Hagen as head coach". www.nfl.com.