NFL to Launch New Academy in Australia to Develop Global Talent
The NFL Academy, set to open in September 2024, aims to foster young talent in the Asia-Pacific region, leveraging local sports like rugby for recruitment.
- The NFL Academy will open its doors in September 2024 at A. B. Paterson College on Australia's Gold Coast, focusing on athletes aged 12 to 18.
- Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle, will serve as an ambassador, highlighting his journey from rugby to the NFL.
- The academy is part of the NFL's broader strategy to expand its international presence and tap into the Asia-Pacific's rich sporting talent pool.
- Recruitment camps are scheduled in Australia and New Zealand starting June 2024, with the academy also planning a high-performance facility by 2026.
- The initiative also supports the growth of flag football in the region, aligning with its inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games.