American Football Association of Finland
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American Football Association of Finland (SAJL) is the national governing body of american football in Finland. It was founded in 1979 and it is founding member of both of European Federation of American Football, EFAF and International Federation of American Football, IFAF. Since 2000 American football has grown steadily. Though it can be considered to be one of the smaller sports in Finland in 2006 there was 27 clubs playing the sport with over 100 teams and over 1400 players.
President of American Football Association of Finland is Roope Noronen.
In Finland American football is played in men's, women's and youth leagues. Men's highest level Vaahteraliiga Maple League champion is considered the national champion while teams also play in 1st and 2nd divisions. In 2007 there are plans to open 3rd division to allow more new teams to take part. Youth leagues run in 21 and under, 19 and under, 17 and under, 15 and under and 13 and under categories. Women have played flag football, but currently there are plans to open league for tackle football for women as well.
Finnish Senior National Team has taken a part in European Championship tournaments since their beginning in 1983. Finnish National team is the most successful team in Europe being the only team to participate in all final tournaments and having won European Championship 5 times (1985, 1993, 1995, 1997 and 2000) while finishing second in 1983, 1991 and 2001 and third in 1987 and 2005. Next time National team will be in action in 2009 European Championships A-group tournament. National team has taken part also in 1999 World Championship final tournament and 2003 and 2007 qualifications.
[edit] Links
- Suomen Amerikkalaisen Jalkapallon Liitto ry, official website in Finnish
- SAJL on the EFAF Website
- SAJL on the IFAF Website
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