Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas —
We call on all Airmen and Parents to represent the service, compete in the military’s best athletics, build connections, build resiliency and set an example for others.
These are some of the benefits of participating in the Department of the Air Force sports program managed by the Air Force Service Center.
“DAF sports are important to resilience because military events support DAF’s ‘Fit to Fight’ ethos,” Teck said. Sergeant Dante Tillman, AFSVC DAF sports noncommissioned officer. “These events help Airmen and parents maintain physical fitness and create team dynamics. Opportunities for cooperation and leadership among members from separate facilities foster camaraderie, corps spirit among athletes and spectators, and , which is fundamental in building morale.”
DAF sports programs, which involve approximately 2,500 military athletes each year, include sports competitions at the interscholastic level and above held on-site. This includes sports teams and individual athletes who compete with sister services during military tournaments and events. You can also select individual players to join the U.S. military team that will participate in international competitions.
The 2024 schedule includes 21 military championships and nine United Nations championships.
In addition to Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) events, there are also events for Supreme Allied Command Europe (SHAPE) and Allied Air Components. AIRCOM competitions are primarily open to U.S. Air Force athletes based in Europe due to their focus on strengthening partnerships with NATO allies. CISM and SHAPE events are open to all airmen and parents.
“Competing in DAF sports makes our Airmen and Airmen more courageous, confident, disciplined and motivated,” said 92nd Mission Support Group Deputy, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. said Lt. Col. Jeremiah Kirschman, commander and former DAF athlete and coach. His athletic accomplishments include being a four-time All-Air Force soccer player, playing for his CISM team in 2013 and his USA team, coaching at various levels, and directing the 2022 CISM Women’s World Cup. there is.
“(DAF players) learn how to build a team, become better wingmen who genuinely care about others in their unit, and become better leaders to service members who may not be as motivated as themselves,” Kirschman said. Told. “They are great role models for our Airmen and parents.”
Lt. Col. Saleem Razvi, a staff judge advocate with the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, is also the officer in charge, assistant coach, and team member of the Air Force men’s rugby team.
“There is no greater experience than competing in a high-level tournament hosted by 24 countries each year, attracting 6,000 participants, and broadcast to thousands more,” Razvi said. “Rugby Town 7s always has Olympians and international stars playing in tournaments.”
For the major, testing himself at a higher level of contact sports is the next step in his military service, in addition to his other military assignments.
“Wearing an Air Force jersey as a representative is like wearing the uniform for the first time. It is an ongoing recruitment and retention tool that is unmatched in intramural sports. “We connect with international partners to share our love of service,” he said.
Airmen and parents will be looking forward to the 2024 DAF competition, which begins Feb. 19-28 with men’s and women’s wrestling trial camps at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The tryout or competition period for a sports team typically begins 45 days before training camp. For individual sports, it begins 45 days before his official coaching in the DAF.
mark on calendar
While some events are still being finalized and details are subject to change, here are DAF Sports and their application windows:
golf, From now until January 15th
wrestling, From now until January 15th
men’s soccer, January 1st – February 15th
Bowling, February 1st – March 15th
men’s and women’s triathlon, March 1st – April 15th
rugby, The dates for the men’s and women’s teams are being finalized.
men’s and women’s softball, May 15th to June 30th
basketball, June 15th to July 30th
volleyball, June 15th to July 30th
marathon, July 1st – August 15th
aurora challenge, August 15th – September 30th
cross country, Ends in 2024, but stay tuned for more information in the fall
“If you want to feel like a professional athlete and compete against the best in the Air Force and Space Force, submit your application and come see if you can play at the highest level in the military,” said Chief Sgt. . Leary Gaitan, AFSVC Chief Noncommissioned Officer Manager.
Airmen and parents interested in participating in DAF Sports Program sports can find more information and submit an application at www.DAFSports.com. Upcoming opportunities are also being advertised at the fitness facility set up.