Nasinu Secondary School buzzed with excitement today as a team from NFL Australia led training drills and a clinic aimed at introducing American Football to Fiji. Participants included members of Nasinu’s under-15 boys’ and under-19 rugby league teams, who eagerly engaged in the activities designed to teach them the fundamentals of the sport.
Charlotte Offord, the General Manager for NFL Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, which is part of a broader effort to promote American Football throughout the Pacific region. She noted the positive reception they have experienced in Fiji and remarked on the nation’s strong reputation in both rugby union and rugby league, expressing her hope that young Fijians will explore opportunities in American Football as well.
“This is the first time we’ve entered Fiji to try out the NFL market. NFL flag is a non-contact version of American Football, and is inclusive of both males and females. So we’re out introducing the game and trying to build a foundation for the sport to grow,” Offord said.
The NFL team will continue their outreach with upcoming visits to Sigatoka and Lautoka later this week, indicating a commitment to expanding the sport’s presence in the region. With initiatives like this, there is a promising opportunity for American Football to develop a foothold in Fiji, bringing new avenues for youth engagement in sports.