NFL and IFAF further strengthen partnership with joint push towards dream of flag football at Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028
Pierre Trochet, President of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and Troy Vincent, Executive Vice President of Football Operations of the National Football League (NFL) have today been announced as Co-Chairs of the newly formed “Vision28” Group to lead flag football’s efforts towards inclusion at Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
The announcement was made on the sidelines of The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, Alabama, where flag football is making a milestone first appearance at a major, global multi-sport event. The NFL is presenting partner of flag football at these Games, which have seen 8 women’s and 8 men’s teams representing 10 countries from across 3 continents light up the iconic Legion Field stadium in a series of electrifying contests.
As Co-Chairs of the Vision28 group, Trochet and Vincent will spearhead efforts to build on flag’s World Games success with an eye on inclusion as an additional sport at the Olympic Games LA28. The double appointment underscores the true partnership between IFAF and the NFL – and the strength of both organizations’ commitment to deliver flag’s Olympic dream.
The Vision28 group will bring together key executives and ambassadors from IFAF, the NFL and the wider American football community, with a mission to showcase everything flag football can offer to LA28 and the Olympic movement, long-term.
Flag football is a short, non-contact format of American football, which is the United States’ most popular sport. Flag is played by teams of five and prioritizes speed, creativity and athleticism – qualities that align with modern sports consumption habits and are popular with Gen Z audiences. It is also adaptable to a wide range of venues – stadiums, indoor arenas and temporary urban sports parks – making it a flexible and low-cost proposition for multi-sport event organizers.
Flag football is a cornerstone of the NFL’s participation and development strategy and a growing focus for the organization. Internationally, it is one of the fastest-growing sports, already played by men and women through IFAF programs in more than 100 countries. The game has great scope for further growth thanks to its highly accessible and inclusive qualities, notably as a platform for female participation in American football.
Pierre Trochet, President of IFAF, said:
“It’s an honor to work alongside Troy to realize our shared ambition of flag football in the Olympic Games. This joint leadership sends a clear message about the strength of our shared belief in everything flag football can bring to the Olympic Games and the Olympic movement.
“Flag is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports for a reason. It’s fast, it’s creative, it’s skillful, it’s fun. It’s America’s sport with a Californian spirit. Flag will be a statement pick for LA28, embodying the vision of new-era Games at the nexus of sports and entertainment. We have seen a glimpse of all that potential here at the World Games.”
Troy Vincent, Executive Vice President of Football Operations of the NFL, said:
“We see flag football as an all-inclusive sport, which makes it a great vehicle to spread the values of American football around the world.
“As co-chair of the Vision28 mission, the NFL is committed to place critical assets such as technological, broadcast, commercial, sports science, youth engagement, fan engagement at the service of the Olympic movement and our shared global goal of football for all.”
Diana Flores, IFAF Athlete Ambassador, member of the Mexican women’s national team, said:
“As an athlete it is my dream to see flag football in the Olympic Games – to see the game that I love represented on sport’s greatest stage. It would truly be the highlight of my life to represent my country at Los Angeles 2028.
“Flag football is special – it’s fast, creative and exciting – but most importantly it is for everyone; men and women; young and old; tall or short. On the field we are all equal. When I play, I feel free and empowered. In 2028, I hope the whole world will share our love for this sport.”
Note to Editors:
About Pierre Trochet:
Pierre Trochet is the President of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). He was elected to lead the organisation in December, 2021. Prior to taking up the role, Pierre worked as Director of Development for the French Federation of American Football (FFFA) from 2018-2021 and as Head of Education from 2015-2018. While with the FFFA, Pierre played a major role in the record growth and modernisation of the federation and secured influential broadcast rights agreements that enhanced the visibility of the sport.
Pierre began playing American football at age six from his home in Chateauroux, France before going on to represent the Amiens Spartans in the French National League, where he helped the team win the championship title as an offensive lineman. Following that he joined the Danube Dragons in Vienna, Austria, where he currently resides.
As a former player, Pierre has an in-depth understanding of the needs of the athletes and ensures their voice is at the heart of the organization. Pierre’s ambition is to continue strengthening the governance of IFAF as well as the ongoing development of a robust, global competition calendar. His focus is on advancing high-quality continental performance structures and growing the sport of flag football worldwide.
About Troy Vincent:
Troy Vincent is the Executive Vice President of Football Operations at the National Football League, beginning his football career as the 7th overall pick in the first round for the Miami Dolphins in the 1992 NFL Draft. After 15 seasons of playing in the league, Troy continues to be nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Philadelphia Eagles, the State of Pennsylvania, the University of Wisconsin and Pennsbury High School.
In his current position with the NFL, he employs the highest standards to enhance and preserve football and its value to society. His transformational and visionary leadership approach promotes using the game of football to positively impact people’s lives through excellence and service by applying clarity, consistency and credibility to all aspects of football operations.
About IFAF:
The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) is the international governing body for the sport of American football and is responsible for all regulatory, competition, performance and development aspects of the game on a global level. Provisionally recognised by the International Olympic Committee, IFAF is a member of GAISF and a signatory to the WADA Code. IFAF has 72 member nations across 5 continents.
About the NFL:
The National Football League is America’s most popular sports league, comprised of 32 franchises that compete each year to win the Super Bowl, the world’s biggest annual sporting event. Founded in 1920, the NFL developed the model for the successful modern sports league, including national and international distribution, extensive revenue sharing, competitive excellence, and strong franchises across the board. The NFL is the industry leader on a wide range of fronts.
COURTESY NFLmedia.com
