NFL UK partners with Sport England to expand flag football in Manchester
The aim is to help children improve their mental well-being while becoming fans of the sport at the same time
Last updated 9th Feb 2023
In a new venture, NFL UK have partnered with Sport England to grow flag football through charities in Manchester.
From a sporting perspective, their primary focus is to give participants an outlet to express themselves, while improving physical and mental health. In addition, they aim to create educational pathways leading to employment opportunities.
Following the mass success of the scheme in London, both the NFL and Sport England are thrilled to bring the project to the North West.
Since the foundation's inception in 2021, the American Football League have Worked with eight community groups across 13 London boroughs, giving kids from all walks of life an opportunity to discover a new skill. And of the 2500 young people involved, 58% are female, which has delighted NFL UK General Manager, Henry Hodgson.
He beamed: "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 the sport of flag football is still in an evolutionary period in the UK, Hodgson is excited to see where it will go.
He 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."
Furthermore, 75% of the participants taking part in the programme come from an ethnic background, proving that the NFL is creating a safe space for everyone.
Overjoyed with the chances it's giving young people, the GM said: "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, flag football is undoubtedly one of the world's quickest-growing sports. The non-contact format makes for an eye-catching watch for spectators and an electric buzz for the athletes taking part.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Hodgson is encouraging young people to give it a try.
He told Hits Radio: "Flag football is a really fun sport to play; we're making sure we're working with those community organisations and seeing what their focus is. Are they focused on kids' mental health, or are they more focused on keeping them active? I think there are different ways the game can help in different areas.
"Rather than coming in and telling them how to run it, we want to make sure we find the right charities in Manchester and shape that partnership with them, with flag football at the base, but with the focus they have for the kids involved, so they can get the most they possibly can do out of the work we do together."
To register your interest and apply for funding please visit here.
For more information, head to the NFL Foundation UK website