Global Sports Partners is proud to highlight the leadership and impact of David Kephart, Head Coach of the Jordanian Men’s National Flag Football Team, and Michael Thornton, Lead Assistant Coach of the Jordanian Women’s National Team, following Jordan’s first-ever appearance at an official international flag football competition.
Jordan fielded both men’s and women’s national teams at the 2025 IFAF Asia Continental Championships, marking a historic milestone for the sport in the country and a foundational step in its long-term development.
A Historic First for Jordan Flag Football
For Jordanian flag football, the Continental Championships marked the country’s official entry onto the international stage.
“A personal highlight of the project was that this was the first ever official international competition for Jordanian flag football,” said Coach Michael Thornton.
Facing experienced programs from across the region, both national teams were tested in a highly competitive environment that accelerated learning, cohesion, and confidence.
Women’s National Team: Growth and Resilience
For the women’s program, the tournament showcased determination, adaptability, and clear progress over the course of competition.
“As a coach of the women’s team, I was extremely proud of the women’s will to compete and their growth during the tournament.” – Coach Thornton
After navigating early challenges against established international opponents, the team responded with increasing composure and execution, earning Jordan’s first international victory in women’s flag football and closing the tournament with a placement win over South Korea – avenging an opening round defeat and showcasing their development throughout the tournament.
“It feels amazing,” said center Wajd Hattar. “Jordan is making history. This is our first ever participating on such a platform. And it’s only up from here. The key to our success is not being down when something bad happens. We were able to keep ourselves together and to pull ourselves up.”
By the final rounds, the women’s team demonstrated positive improvement in communication, execution, and competitive confidence — turning early lessons into a final win and tangible momentum they plan to carry into future competitions.
Men’s National Team: Building the Foundation
Led by Head Coach David Kephart, the Jordanian Men’s National Team entered the championships with a clear understanding of the significance of the moment and the quality of opposition they would face.
For Coach Kephart, the event was about establishing a baseline for future success. Speaking to IFAF Media in the build-up to the tournament, he explained:
“As coach of the Jordanian men, I see this tournament as a foundational moment. Our team has a real opportunity to establish itself for long term success and development. This tournament will be both a gauge of where we are as a team and how to best grow moving forward. I expect that we will play competitively, support one another, and represent Jordan well both on and off the field.”
Kephart’s extensive background in American football — spanning youth, collegiate, domestic, and international coaching of both flag and tackle disciplines — shaped a program focused on identity, discipline, and collective effort.
“When I look at the make-up of our team, I am most inspired by the fact that we have players from all regions and walks of life in our wonderful country. We are a true representation of the Jordanian people.”
Placed into a demanding group featuring some of Asia’s strongest programs, the men were tested immediately. Over the course of the tournament, the team showed measurable growth, culminating in Jordan’s first international men’s victory and a 10th-place finish overall — an important milestone in the program’s first step onto the international stage.
Looking Ahead
For both the men’s and women’s programs, the 2025 IFAF Asia Continental Championships were not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a pathway.
“Moving forward, I hope to see the game of Flag Football continue to grow in Jordan, to continue to provide a safe and healthy community for Jordanians to come and enjoy the game, and for the Jordanian national teams to continue to grow and represent their country well on the international stage,” said Coach Thornton.
Global Sports Partners remains committed to supporting coaches, athletes, and federations as they build sustainable pathways for sport development worldwide. Jordan’s international debut stands as a powerful example of what leadership, opportunity, and perseverance can achieve — and signals the start of a promising future for Jordanian national flag football.