IFAF Board Feature: Jim Mullin

After a successful tenure as IFAF General Secretary, Jim Mullin has been re-elected to the IFAF Board of Directors and will assume the position of Vice President at the 2024 IFAF Congress in Lausanne, Switzerland. This appointment sets the stage for Jim to tackle new challenges and further elevate the sport on the international stage.

Hailing from Bowen Island, British Columbia, Jim is a well-known figure in Canadian football. He has made his mark as a broadcaster, events manager, and Trustee of the Jon Cornish Trophy, an award honouring top Canadian athletes in NCAA football. Elected to the board of Football Canada in 2016, he subsequently rose to President in 2019 and was re-elected in 2022—becoming only the third individual in the organization’s 142-year history to serve two terms. Through these roles, Jim has consistently advanced football at both national and international levels.

One of Jim’s most notable contributions came through his role as IFAF General Secretary, where he facilitated the return of international tackle football at the IFAF U20 World Junior Championships in Edmonton. Under his leadership, national and international stakeholders collaborated to produce a landmark event: a high-profile gold medal game was broadcast on a national TV network, attracted substantial media attention, and generated over 125 million social media impressions. This achievement not only revitalized junior tackle football globally but also affirmed Canada’s reputation for hosting top-tier international events.

“Organizing and executing the first IFAF World Junior Championship in six years involved numerous hurdles,”Jim said. “We had to adapt to a shifting landscape as countries emerged from the pandemic. Our collective determination paid off, and we created a platform where nations with clear strategies and development plans could excel, showcasing an exciting level of the next generation of football.”

Under Jim’s leadership at Football Canada, the nation’s junior program claimed three world championships. This success underscored the importance of comprehensive planning, athlete development, and inclusive approaches. “Wherever you come from, everyone deserves an equal opportunity to play, improve, and find their passion in this game,” Jim explained. “My commitment is to collaborate with stakeholders worldwide, creating a meaningful, sustainable framework for competition that supports athletes’ growth.”

As Jim steps into his new term, a key priority is to foster greater global participation in tackle football. Building on the established continental competitions in flag football, he aims to develop a similar pathway for tackle programs, ensuring that international championships occur regularly and sustainably.

“We’ve seen how well-organized continental competitions can bolster the growth of flag football,” he said. “Now we need to apply similar principles to tackle football. European associations have provided strong models, and by approaching the challenge pragmatically, we can develop solutions that recognize the unique attributes of the tackle game.

During his presidency at Football Canada, Jim also focused on grassroots initiatives, promoting inclusivity and professionalizing the sport’s operations. He championed accessible youth programs, particularly in flag football, to broaden participation and nurture a new generation of players. These efforts included implementing enhanced safety measures and more rigorous coaching certification standards, prioritizing players’ well-being and the sport’s long-term viability.

Advancing women’s football has been another hallmark of Jim’s leadership. He supported the development of both tackle and flag opportunities, including a National College Flag Championship, opening the door for female athletes to showcase their talent at the highest levels.

Jim’s vision also encompassed important cultural dimensions. In line with Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation efforts, he worked with Indigenous leaders and organizations to create more inclusive opportunities, reducing barriers to participation and ensuring football reflects Canada’s diverse communities.

His background in sports media—hosting and producing football programming—further broadened the sport’s reach. Under his guidance, Football Canada underwent a branding overhaul, including a new logo and style guide, enhancing visibility and unity across the nation.

Jim’s leadership has left a lasting imprint on Canadian and international football. By prioritizing accessibility, safety, inclusivity, and international collaboration, he has guided the sport toward a dynamic and progressive future. His legacy will continue to shape football’s trajectory in Canada and beyond for years to come.