IFAF Elections: Meet the candidates – Roope Noronen (Finland)

| American Football | 12/08/2021

Nominated by Finnish Federation of American Football, SAJL, IFAF veteran Roope Noronen looks to return to the international scene this year as IFAF’s Director of Competitions.

Noronen is one of six candidates in various positions standing for a three-year term with the election being held December 11.

Noronen was first introduced to football in the 1980s in his home country of Finland. After a short but accomplished playing career, Noronen went on to become president of the Helsinki Roosters (1997-2010), General Manager of Finland’s national team (2000-2005), and the commissioner of the Maple League (since 2001).

Noronen would bring a plethora of experience as from 2001-2014 he was a key part of the IFAF serving as the vice president. In this role, he worked on the IFAF board as a European representative and eventually vice president. While with IFAF, Noronen oversaw several international tournaments including the NFL Europe School Flag Tournaments, the 2005 Duisburg World Games, the 2013 Women Tackle World Championships, the 2018 Mens European Championships.

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and