Budding sports governing body, American Football Federation of Uganda (AFFU) are keen on strengthening the game here in Uganda as they are busy working on two major aspects of the game; capacity building and grassroots development.
There recent announcement is that they have been joined by Ambra Marcucci, a Portuguese athlete, who will be volunteering to strengthen and develop the women’s football program in Uganda.
This is in line with AFFU’s intentions to develop the women’s football programme at a national level, as well as at the grassroots.
Ambra Marcucci played Flag football in Portugal for two years. In November 2018 she got involved in starting the very first female American football team in Portugal called Porto Dyrrs Women. In July 2019 she got invited to play for the Italian National female American football team where she played her very first game with Italy against Spain. In April 2020, Marcucci signed her LOI (letter of intent) with the New York Stars, a WFLA (Women Football League Association) outfit.
With a vast ray of experience on display, Marcucci’s arrival will be a huge boost for the women’s game. She has already showed interest in this new development.
“The honor is all mine,” Marcucci noted via a social media post adding that; “With the experience I am gaining in the States, I would love to help build the sport for women in Africa.”
According to the AFFU President and Founder Steven George Okeng, an online meeting was arranged between Marcucci and some individuals from the federation to find a way forward.
However, she will start work when the current ban on sports (due to Covid-19 pandemic) is lifted.
Okeng now believes that Marcucci’s arrival will help build the game with inclusiveness of women.
“With her experience and vast knowledge in football, it stands as a motivation to more women to join this new journey of American football in Uganda. We welcome her with open arms and we believe this will not just lead but set pace for development of women’s football in Uganda and the rest of Africa,” Okeng said.
As it stands now, AFFU is conducting most activities online but will swing back in style once the noose on sport is loosened.
