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The UK is enjoying a flag football boom. The non-contact version of American Football is now played in more than 600 schools, and each year the primary school crowned the nation’s best goes on to represent the nation at the NFL Flag Championships in the USA.
If you think the surge in interest in Gridiron is a new trend in the UK, think again. Many teams, including the Cambridgeshire Cats, Birmingham Bulls, East Kilbride Pirates, Ipswich Cardinals, London Olympians and the Merseyside Nighthawks, were formed almost 40 years ago.
After making its only appearance at the Olympic Games in 1932, the sport will make its return at the LA Games in 2028. The great news is that Flag Football’s induction as an Olympic Sport has allowed the British American Football Association (BAFA) to secure funding to further grow the sport on these shores.
Popular among American Football fans is the pastime of “tailgating”. This cherished tradition sees supporters gathering in car parks hours before a game, generating a vibrant party atmosphere and a welcoming pre-game vibe with pop-up BBQs, shared drinks, games, and music.
American Football’s vast range of playing positions means it can be enjoyed regardless of physical size or athletic ability. Great arm? Try quarterback. Small and fast? Running back’s for you. Strategic thinker? Linebacker. Big and strong? Defensive end. And if all you want to do is kick, kick, kick, you’re a punter in the making.
Jason Scott, GB Men’s coach, talks us through the five bits of kit you need to make your mark in American Football.
Read morePay it back
“The sport has completely changed my life, and all I want to do now is give back, as much as possible."
Phoebe Schecter Great Britain Women’s national team
Dreams into reality
“I think many kids over in the UKlook at us as role models, hopefully I can show there is a pathway to getting into the NFL”
Travis Clayton Offensive tackle, Buffalo Bills, from Basingtoke
Want to play American Football? Whether you want to try the fast-growing Flag Football or you’d rather pad up for full contact, you can discover all avenues available for men, women, and children by clicking here to find out more
Want to help develop Britain’s next great American Football star? The British American Football Coaches Association (BAFCA) offers coaching courses in both Flag and Contact Football. Click here to find out more about education pathways.
Volunteers are the unsung heroes helping to grow the sport in the UK. The British American Football Referees’ Association (BAFRA) offer training courses and mentorship, while there are opportunities in admin, management, IT, and safeguarding. Find out more here
Flag Football is thriving at primary education level, with over 600 participating schools in the NFL Flag programme. If you’re a teacher (or a pupil) who’d like to find out more about the free programme that includes staff training and a starter pack including 10 balls and 30 flag belts, click here for more info