FirstPoint USA, the world’s leading international sports scholarship agency, has announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Belfast Trojans American Football Club. The collaboration is set to open up high school and collegiate pathways for aspiring athletes across Northern Ireland.
Marking a new milestone in FirstPoint USA’s extensive partnership portfolio, the agreement represents the agency’s first-ever official partnership within American Football. The Trojans join an elite stable of partners, which includes premier sports organisations such as Arsenal FC, Fulham FC, Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew, United Soccer League (USL), National Collegiate Rugby, and the Rosslyn Park 7s.
Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the Belfast Trojans are one of the most decorated sports franchises on the island of Ireland. The reigning American Football Ireland (AFI) Premier Division national champions are now performing on the European stage in the Central European Football League (CEFL) and have established a successful female Flag Football team and youth development program for 15 – 18 years old athletes in the past decade.
A major focus of the partnership will be unlocking life-changing opportunities for the club's female athletes within Flag Football. One of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, Flag Football will make its debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and has rapidly gained momentum within the US collegiate system.
Mark McGrath, General Manager and founding member of the Belfast Trojans, commented:
"Partnering with FirstPoint USA is a monumental step forward for the Belfast Trojans and the future of American football across Ireland. This partnership connects our local talent with the absolute gold standard in international sports scholarships, providing a clear, fully supported pathway to elite high school and collegiate opportunities in the United States—whether in flag football or full-contact kitted football.
"As a club, our mission has always been to develop athletes both physically and mentally so they can compete at the highest levels. FirstPoint USA shares this exact ethos. Together, we are creating tangible opportunities for young people to grow, compete, and represent Ireland on a global stage. I am incredibly excited to see what we will build together in the years to come."
Stuart McCaffrey, Director of Sport at FirstPoint USA, added:
"We are thrilled to welcome our first-ever American Football partner and to begin working alongside the team at the Belfast Trojans. Flag football is experiencing a meteoric rise in the States, opening incredible new avenues for female athletes to pursue their academic and athletic dreams.
"With its newly appointed NCAA emerging sport status, Flag Football is on track to become a fully recognized championship sport very soon, meaning the number of available college programs and scholarships will continue to grow. Through this partnership, we look forward to providing our expertise to Trojans players and their families, utilising our established network of leading US high schools, academies, and universities."
To find out more about the Belfast Trojans, visit: https://belfasttrojans.com/
