The National Football League (NFL) delegation is set to arrive in Fiji this week as part of an initiative to promote American football in the Asia-Pacific region. Their visit includes a series of NFL Flag “Come and Try” clinics and coaching programs starting tomorrow, aimed at engaging local youth and enhancing community involvement in the sport.
The first clinic will kick off tomorrow at 10 AM at the HFC Stadium in Suva, specifically targeting children between the ages of 5 and 15. Following the morning session, a coaching accreditation program is scheduled for 2 PM at the HFC Stadium’s Corporate Box 2. This session is open to anyone interested in learning how to coach flag football, a non-contact version of the sport.
Additional clinics are planned for the following week in Lautoka, set to take place at Central College sports fields on Wednesday at 3:30 PM and at Churchill Park Field 3 on Friday at the same time. Both events are aimed at engaging young athletes and promoting the sport further within the community.
The NFL’s visit also includes a talent identification component through the NFL Academy and the International Player Pathway program. This effort is designed to discover and nurture potential athletes from Fiji and the broader Pacific region.
Notably, Australian-born Denver Broncos tight end Patrick Murtagh will participate in the delegation, visiting local schools and communities to foster interest and awareness of American football during their stay.
This initiative represents a significant milestone as it is the first time the NFL has organized official community events in Fiji, underscoring the league’s commitment to expanding participation in Flag Football in preparation for its inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. With this positive development, the NFL aims to inspire a new generation of athletes and engage more communities with the sport.
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