After successful anti-doping regime at European Championship qualifying matches, the two organisations will continue to work together
BAFA is pleased to announce that, after lengthy discussions, it has fully signed up with the United Kingdom Anti–Doping Agency (UKAD) to ensure a cleaner and fairer sport. UKAD is world renowned and respected for its work in this field.
BAFA Chairman Martin Cockerill stated:
“After the sterling work and great help provided by UKAD during the recent European Championships, which saw Great Britain move onto the next phase of the competition, it became clear that UKAD offered fantastic help and resources. As such BAFA is delighted to work with them to become our partners in this crucial area of the sport. BAFA is currently working closely with UKAD in developing its education strategy to inform members on what is and is not permissible, with the Association looking forward to next year where it will initiate testing for athletes, initially at the top level of the sport, showing the world Great Britain is not only a great football nation but a clean and strong one.”
In the coming months BAFA will release their education programme for all of its members.
To support the development and roll-out of its anti-doping policy, the BAFA board is pleased to announce that Naomi Maycock will take on the role of Anti-Doping Coordinator. Naomi recently renewed her Accredited Advisor status with UKAD after a gruelling 72 model exam, finishing with an amazing 100%. This will become a flagship programme within BAFA.
Upon her appointment, Martin Cockerill said:
“Having worked with Naomi in a number of roles in the last three years, it became clear to the board that her commitment to the sport and the well-being of the athletes in it, she was ideal for the position, Naomi will be building a network of advisors and educators throughout the UK to support this initiative.
Anyone who would like to get involved in this should email human.resources@britishamericanfootball.org with a covering letter and CV. This will be a rewarding and challenging programme and one that BAFA is whole heartedly committed to.”
Naomi is a Graduate Sports Therapist who runs her own business, NM Sports Therapy, in the Cheltenham/Gloucester area. She works clinically and also with local sports teams. She has been working in American football since 2012 and has developed a vast understanding and passion for the sport. She has worked with a variety of the Great Britain teams, including on European tours with both Women’s and Women’s Flag teams, for which she educated athletes on anti-doping as well as providing medical support. Naomi is currently studying her Masters degree in Professional Practice in Sports Therapy, where she plans to direct her research thesis towards American Football in the UK.