IFAF: China establishes national governing body to develop ‘american football’

IFAF APPOINTS COUNTRY ADMINISTRATOR TO HELP ESTABLISH A NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY AND DEVELOP AMERICAN FOOTBALL IN CHINA

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) has appointed NATHAN JONES as its Country Administrator for China. Jones will be responsible for overseeing the creation of a national governing body and establishing a development plan for youth and amateur American football in China.

IFAF is represented worldwide by 62 national federations of American football on six continents and is the Official American Football Development Partner of NFL International.

Jones is an established China business adviser and manager with more than eight years of experience in leadership at the highest level of China’s sports, media and education industries. He was acclaimed as one of China’s ten most influential people in the educational industry by China Financial Times and recognized multiple times by the Chinese Olympic Committee and CCTV for exceptional contributions.

“China is a nation with a long tradition of athletic excellence and a strong commitment to providing youth with the best education possible,” said Jones. “Through IFAF’s support, American Football will make contributions to the educational experience, wellbeing, and future success of China’s young leaders.

“The strategy, dedication, courage, leadership, and teamwork that American Football embodies are qualities that are highly valued in Chinese culture. For this reason, I expect the sport of American Football in all its forms, to be widely respected and enjoyed by millions of Chinese sports fans in the coming years.”

Having established the first adult American football team in China, Jones will develop a structured competition between emerging teams in China, a national championship and a series of games between Chinese and visiting teams. Ultimately, Jones will work closely with the Chinese Sports Administration to establish a national federation of American football that meets the criteria necessary for securing full IFAF membership and allow China to join the 62 nations currently within the IFAF structure.

As part of its strategy to develop the sport in China, IFAF will work closely with NFL China, whose Managing Director Richard Young said: “We are very pleased that IFAF has appointed a Country Administrator for China. We look forward to working closely with Nathan and IFAF in developing and promoting the great game of American Football in China.”

IFAF President Tommy Wiking added: “The sport of American football continues to gain in popularity throughout China and will become a valuable and welcome member of the IFAF family in the near future. We feel that Nathan Jones possesses the knowledge and understanding of our sport to represent IFAF effectively and will successfully spearhead the growth of American football in China.”