By: Ibrahim El-Shawarby
CAIRO, April.4 (SEE)- On the occasion of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi travelling to the United States, SEE decides to highlight the history of America's biggest and most popular sport American football's journey to Egypt.
The game has many household fans in Egypt as young Egyptians tend to follow the same path as the NFL, the world's leading American Football Federation. There are currently two governing bodies in Egypt, The ELAF and EFAF, which hold distinct fixtures and leagues
Basic Introduction on the EFAF
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Cairo Bears vs Warriors (Photo Credit: EFAF.com)[/caption]
The Egyptian Federation of American Football (EFAF) is a league governing body of the sport of American Football in state and is responsible for all regulatory, competitive, performance and development aspects of the game.
EFAF is a socially responsible organization seeking the expansion, popularization, and development of American Football in Egypt, in both its tackle and flag formats. Faced with challenges through the introducing of the culture, ethics, and values of the sport, a complete systemic approach was the foundation of the vision, offering constructive training programs and competitions for youth as well as seasoned athletes.
EFAF currently has 8 affiliated teams; with more than 800 registered players. The teams are The Cairo Bears, The GUC Eagles, The Cairo Hellhounds, The MSA Tigers, The Cairo Wolves, The Cairo Warriors, The Gezira Thunder and the newly created AUC Titans.
To access the Federation's news, photos and upcoming fixtures you can visit their website.
History of the establishment in Egypt:
What started at the end of 2006 with a meeting among friends, progressed to 4 different teams being sponsored by Wadi Degla Sporting Clubs in 2010 and now has evolved to EFAF (Egyptian Federation of American Football).
EFAF was inaugurated mid-2014 and now bolsters 8 different teams throughout Cairo and Gizah. Egyptian Football’s true start was on May 8, 2014 when the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) recognized football in Egypt by the attendance of the Vice Chair of IFAF Asia of the first fully equipped match in Egypt between The GUC Eagles and the Cairo Sharks.
This visit was to establish the fact that Egypt will be an officially accepted member of the IFAF which in turn would mean that the national team that is to be chosen will be granted international status and the ability to compete in international events.
December 13, 2014 was the beginning of a new era of football in Egypt when Egypt hosted the first African championship to qualify the winner to the American Football World Cup. The game was in the GUC field with more than 2000 cheering for their national team.
Basic Introduction on the ELAF:
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ELAF Logo (Photo Credits: americanfootballinternational.com)[/caption]
Egyptian League of American Football was founded in 2013. It was granted a full membership by IFAF in 2014. The federation has it's league which is composed of 6 teams, in addition to a representative national team. The country's national team had its first match on 13 December 2014 against the Moroccan national team at the GUC stadium for the qualifications of the 2015 IFAF World Championship; The team lost 26-6.
History of Establishment:
The Egyptian League of American Football (ELAF) was founded in 2013 by Mo'men. Egypt granted full IFAF membership on 15 July 2014 at the IFAF Congress in Kuwait. Also, The President of The Egyptian Federation of American Football Mo'men Naiem achieved the title of IFAF Africa Vice Chair. The ELAF teams include Cairo Sharks, BUE Hawks, Cairo Lions, Cairo Mustangs, BUE Bulls and Cairo Gorillas.
The Egyptian National team of American football
It is the country's official senior national men's football team. It is controlled by ELAF and is recognized by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).
Sources:
https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/elaf-egyptian-league-of-american-football/
www.efafeg.com
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