NFL Foundation UK have teamed up with Sport England to expand flag football into communities across Greater Manchester and Birmingham.
The pair will provide joint grant funding to deliver NFL Flag programmes in co-created partnerships with local charities. The overall aim is to give participants an outlet to express themselves, improve mental well-being and provide opportunities from an educational and employment standpoint, all while building inclusive communities and growing the sport.
As part of the scheme, the foundation will work with charitable groups for at least the next two years, helping them by providing training and equipment to support young people aged 12-20 access positive pathways and develop the skills, confidence, and self-belief needed to create their own future, impact society and reach their potential.
Following the foundation’s inception in 2021, they’ve worked tirelessly to offer their services to young people in London, and have found enormous success. Working with eight community groups across 13 London boroughs, the sport has captured the hearts of the participants and attracted people from all walks of life.
NFL flag football is creating new opportunities
In particular, the programme has created an outlet for girls to discover their talents. Of the 2500 young people involved, 58% are female. And NFL UK General Manager, Henry Hodgson is delighted about the opportunities his beloved sport provides.
He told Sporf: “I think the interesting thing is that flag football is really new compared to other sports that kids might be reached through by charities and schools; there’s less baggage that comes with flag football. It means that kids are really open to it and it’s totally accessible for girls and boys.
“Nobody is thinking ‘this isn’t for me,’ due to pre-conceived notions about the sport. So, that’s one reason why we’ve been successful in getting females involved. The other is the fact that it’s an awesome sport, that kids have fun playing. And not only are they trying it, but they’re sticking with it as well.”
And while they aren’t on the same level on the men in terms of the NFL, in flag football, they have an opportunity to do amazing things.
Hodgson added: “Women aren’t just trying it as kids; they’re making a huge impact in that sport as it’s being played around the world. So, we’re trying to highlight the girls who are taking flag football on, playing at a national level, and excelling. It shows there are pathways, and it’s an accessible sport for women outside of the NFL itself.”
NFL flag football is for everyone
Furthermore, the sport has proven its ability to connect with all sorts of kids, with 75% coming from an ethnic background, thus helping underrepresented young people have equal access to opportunities.
Excited with the chances it’s giving young people, the GM beamed: “Flag football is such a fun sport to play. The more we can get kids picking it up, it’s only natural that we can get everyone involved.”
With over 20 million people playing the game in over 100 countries, the entertaining game is undeniably one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. The non-contact format makes for a riveting watch for spectators and a fantastic buzz for the athletes taking part.
It provides a structured opportunity for young people to play flag football whilst discovering the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork and friendship. And on January 27, Little Ealing Primary School received the blessing of a lifetime when the UK’s longest-serving NFL star, popped by to pay them a visit.
Efe Obada visits Little Ealing Primary School to coach flag football
Ahead of the youth team’s trip to Las Vegas to participate in the NFL Flag International Championships, the Washington Commanders defensive linebacker offered them his words of wisdom. And despite his undeniably terrifying aura on the field, as a coach, he oozes charisma and a personable attitude.
With a passion for giving back, Obada got stuck right into the training session, throwing the ball around and inspiring the youngsters to give it their all in the tournament.
And Hodgson thinks that players like Obada are vital for the growth of the game.
He claimed: “Efe is fantastic. He’s a great ambassador for us and loves seeing kids pick up the sport. He’s really enthusiastic and encouraging when he’s around them. Efe is such a terrific character. One of the things that isn’t told about him, but is definitely true, is that he doesn’t just show up to those events and go away and not think about it. He continues to relate to those kids. He cares about them.
“Because he comes from a similar background to them, he’s tried to make as much of an impact as he can in their lives, not just through the flag football, but being present as well.”
The future looks bright for the NFL in the UK
While some associate the sport with the glitz and glamour of the Super Bowl, at a grassroots level, the NFL want to give back to the community.
Hodgson explained: “We’re really passionate about it. We know that if we get kids playing at a younger age, they’re going to be more active. But we also know that they’ll become fans. They’re going to say, ‘I’ve had a great time playing flag football. But I also want to watch the NFL and see the best in action’.
“When you get a guy like Efe involved from the UK, they’ll want to follow his career too. One of our distant hopes, but something we’ll continue to see happen, is that one or two of those flag players will become the next group of Efes. We’ll see them become the next group of players from the UK, who actually make it to the NFL.”

How your charity can get involved with flag football
The NFL Foundation UK has opened a new application process for charities across Greater Manchester and Birmingham. To register your interest and apply for funding please visit here.
For more information, head to the NFL Foundation UK website
Read: NFL: Efe Obada visits London school to train the kids ahead of Vegas trip (sporf.com)
Featured Image Credit: NFL