Partnership with British American Football Association
We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with the British American Football Association (BAFA), the governing body for American football in Great Britain. This exciting collaboration strengthens our commitment to providing the highest standard of coaching and player development while contributing to the growth of American football across the UK.
Elevated Standards and Recognition
This partnership represents a significant step forward in establishing the South London Pirates as a premier destination for American football in the capital. Through our BAFA affiliation, we gain access to advanced coaching resources, official game opportunities, and pathways for player advancement.
About BAFA
The British American Football Association has been the cornerstone of organized American football in the UK for over 35 years. Their mission aligns perfectly with our values of safe, inclusive, and high-quality sports development. BAFA provides:
- Official rules and safety standards for all levels of play
- Coaching certification and continuing education programs
- Competitive leagues and tournament opportunities
- Player development pathways from youth to adult levels
- International competition opportunities and exchanges
Enhanced Opportunities for Our Players
BAFA partnership opens new doors for Pirates players across all age groups:
- Access to official BAFA youth leagues and competitions
- Participation in regional and national tournaments
- Player development pathways to university and adult teams
- Coaching education opportunities for older players
- Potential selection for national youth programs
Coaching Excellence
Our coaching staff, led by Marketing Director Ria Harman, will participate in BAFA's continuing education programs, ensuring we maintain the highest standards of instruction and safety. This ongoing development keeps our coaches current with best practices and rule changes.
Community Impact
This partnership reinforces our position as a leader in South London's sporting community and provides credibility that helps families feel confident in choosing the Pirates for their children's athletic development.
Future Developments
We're exploring exciting opportunities through this partnership, including hosting coaching clinics, referee development courses, and potentially serving as a regional hub for BAFA activities in South London.
We look forward to leveraging this partnership to provide even better opportunities for our players while contributing to the continued growth and development of American football throughout Great Britain.