Johannesburg, South Africa – Global Sports Partners (GSP) has teamed up with Gridiron RSA, the American football federation of South Africa, to elevate flag football in the country. With ambitions of forming a national team to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, GSP is providing strategic guidance and development support. Leading the initiative is GSP Southern Africa representative Anthony Shelton, who is working closely with Gridiron RSA to expand the sport’s reach and establish a strong foundation for future success.
Shelton’s involvement began in early 2024, assisting with practices and officiating both flag and contact football games. His role quickly expanded, solidifying a strong partnership between GSP and Gridiron RSA. Together, they are focused on coach training, player development clinics, and league formation—crucial steps toward securing full membership in the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and the International Federation of American Football (IFAF).
A major milestone in this collaboration came in October 2024, when GSP hosted a Transformational Coaches Training program for 19 flag football coaches from Gauteng and the Western Cape. The program emphasized the profound influence coaches have on athletes’ lives, providing practical instruction on practice planning, drill creation, and long-term vision for the sport’s growth. Shelton and GSP International President Dennis Chamberlain led the sessions, both virtually and in person.
For Shelton, one of the most impactful moments was seeing experienced athletes-turned-coaches reflect on their own past coaching experiences—both positive and negative—and how those shaped their philosophies. Many participants left with a renewed commitment to creating a lasting impact beyond the field. Key contributors to the program included Shelton, GSP Director of Sport Development Tyler Ferguson, Gridiron RSA President Stephen Radebe, and Tyler and Fred Cawood.
GSP's commitment to growing American football in South Africa has already made a significant impact, fostering interest in both youth and adult divisions.
“GSP has added unprecedented value to the growth and development of coaches for the enhancement of American flag football and American football in South Africa. Together with the support of GSP, Gridiron RSA is transforming into a sport that can be recognized by both youth and adults alike.”
As Gridiron RSA approaches its 10th anniversary in 2025, the journey has been filled with challenges and milestones.
“We started working with local primary and high schools in 2015 and went on to establish a local team for adult flag football. Our efforts grew with clinics and camps supported by the U.S. Embassy and NGOs such as Love Life. There was coordination in Benoni and Cape Town, with a plan to establish academies and leagues involving the IFAF, NFL, and U.S. Embassy. Post-COVID, we've seen increased growth and interest, particularly in contact football, and now we're motivated to start an Adult Flag Football League. With partners like Global Sports Partners, NFL Africa, YAFFL, and SAAFL, we are focused on this game and inspired by the possibilities of the 2028 Olympic Games,” said Stephen Radebe, President of Gridiron RSA.
Building a league and developing a new sport requires careful planning and execution. Shelton compares it to constructing a house. "Developing a new league and promoting a new sport is like building a house. Having a vision of what you want it to be is extremely important, but knowing the proper steps to get there and not attempting to build from the roof down is vital. I am excited to see Gridiron take steps forward in establishing a solid foundation in developing a program," he said.
Looking ahead, Gridiron RSA has a packed schedule. National team tryouts and clinics will kick off in February, followed by the launch of the Adult Flag Football League in March, which will serve as a platform for talent identification and player development.
Additionally, discussions with the NFL are underway, with the league expressing keen interest in supporting flag football’s expansion in Africa. The goal is to establish a national team and begin competing in international tournaments as early as this summer—a significant step forward in South Africa's growing flag football journey.