The international presence grows stronger at the AFCA convention
Thousands of coaches flocked to beautiful San Antonio, Texas this past weekend as the American Football Coaches Association hosted its centennial convention. Coaches from all levels poured into the convention ranging from the high school ranks to NFL personnel and top NCAA sidelines roamers such as Dave Arnada, Pat Fitzgerald, and Mel Tucker.
T-Minus 30 minutes ⏱ until the #2022AFCAConvention Kickoff Session‼
Doors open to the Stars at Night Ballroom @ 4:45pm. See you there!
*live streamers — link will be released at 4:50 pic.twitter.com/dsMj6Oev4Y
— AFCA (@WeAreAFCA) January 9, 2022
On the second day of the AFCA, global football had its time in the spotlight. The international session kicked off with speaker Val Gunn. Gunn, a veteran coach in Europe detailed his experiences coaching abroad while looking ahead to his first season in Istanbul, Turkey. Gunn is set to lead Turkey’s premiere club the Istanbul Rams this summer, as they enter the European League of Football.
Kicking of Day 2 of the AFCA Convention with the International session with Coach Val Gunn and Coach Mott Gaymon. @pantherswroclaw @WeAreAFCA @AFIReview pic.twitter.com/dVgqpyhVgQ
— Jakub Samel (@Coach_Samel) January 7, 2019
Next up, British coach Rich Worsell detailed his made-for Hollywood journey from an unfulfilled finance employee to an unpaid assistant coaching division three college football. The dream-chasing Brit laid out his football journey from coaching in the UK to becoming the first European position coach in FBS college football history. Worsell moved from an analyst position to tight ends coach late in the season for the Akron Zips (NCAA D1 FBS).
History being made today! pic.twitter.com/u7icWUY0iq
— Rich Worsell (@Coach_Worsell) November 27, 2021
The final speaker of the event was Austin Jones who most recently roamed the sidles for the AAB 89ers in the Danish Nationalligaen. Jones engaged as a room discussing the idea of making teams a destination for players regardless of the level of play. The conversation touched on many topics ranging from player movement to officiating abroad.
The @WeAreAFCA convention is always a highlight of the year for me. Nothing beats a few days of talking ball with fellow coaches.
Big thanks to @CoachMarioPrice for having me back as a speaker. #2022AFCAConvention pic.twitter.com/ZvglIbzx0l
— Austin Jones (@CoachAJones) January 1, 2022
AFI’s staff was lucky to meet with several coaches over the three-day event to discuss the positive growth of global football. Several international coaches made long trips to Texas as coaches from Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia all made the commendably long trip in an effort to learn and grow the game they love.
