Firebirds likely forced to find new league after AIF ceases operations

ALBANY — After one year in the American Indoor Football League, the Georgia Firebirds will need to find a new league to play in.

On Monday, the AIF announced that the league will cease operations, effective immediately.

According to a statement posted on the AIF website: “This decision was not made out of necessity, but instead it is a passing of the torch after ten successful years of promoting the sport of indoor football to thousands of fans throughout the nation.”

The AIF was formed in 2006 by John Morris and was one of the longest consecutively ran leagues in indoor football history, according to the AIF website.

My main objective in this sport is, and has always been to give young men the opportunity to play in a league that showcases their talents in an attempt to advance their careers in football,” Morris said in a statement posted on the league’s website. “We didn’t have to stop the AIF, but the timing is right as I feel confident that the new Arena Developmental League (ADL) formed by former league members will carry on the same mission I set out to accomplish over ten years ago. I know they will take care of member teams, and be that stepping stone in this great sport. I am proud of the many players and coaches that we have been able to promote over this past decade and I will forever cherish the relationships I have made with the many member teams.”

The Firebirds were in their first year in the league and finished with a 3-5 record. Entering the final game of the season, the Firebirds were in playoff position, but were forced to forfeit the game after a travel issue.

Messages left with Firebirds officials were not immediately returned.