**Download** our schools' information pack for further information.
NFL Flag is a non-contact version of football which can be played anywhere and by anyone. Flag football is not just a gateway to contact however, it is a global sport in its own right, with world championships, competitive leagues and recreational pathways available for males, females and co-ed teams
In the UK and Ireland, NFL Flag is the principal form of the game for schools, and is growing fast. The NFL believes in a level playing field for all, and that there should be no barriers to anyone wanting to play our sport. Therefore, we provide a training, development and tournament pathway including equipment and teaching resources to schools at no cost.
Schools
Join 120,000 people and over 1000 schools in the UK & Ireland and be part of the NFL Flag Schools Programme.
**Click here** to view the above map as a PDF.
Your journey to becoming an NFL Flag school in the UK or Ireland starts either registering your interest through our website. In Great Britain, you can also register interest through your local School Games Organiser (SGO) or Active Partnership (England), Active Schools Coordinator (Scotland) or local leisure trust (Wales). Schools expressing interest will be contacted directly when a course is available in their area. SGOs, ASCs and APs will also provide information through their own communication channels.
On completing a free NFL Flag training day and returning a School Agreement Form, schools are provided with a curriculum resource, an equipment pack and access to direct support. Participating schools complete a short survey before and after a terms delivery block and on completion of surveys become an NFL Flag school, eligible for tournament pathway and a range of opportunities including London Games activities, additional resources, events and competitions.
Schools play NFL Flag, a developmental version of the game promoting the core values of Respect, Integrity, Resilience and Responsibility to Team through structured training and game play rules adapted for maximum learning and opportunity for all.
British and Irish American Football – Youth
Teams across the country participate in the British American Football Association (BAFA) or American Football Ireland (AFI) leagues. These leagues provide a further development opportunity for players in both flag and contact football. The rules and structures of BAFA & AFI Flag Football follow on from NFL Flag to incorporate elements such as blitzing, working towards the version of the game seen in international competition at events such as the World Games and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
British and Irish American Football – Senior
Flag and contact football are played the length and breadth of the United Kingdom and Ireland, from the Highland Stags to the Cornwall Monarchs, Cork Admirals and Belfast Trojans.
Coaching
The ever-increasing popularity of football as a participation sport in the UK and Ireland has led to huge demand and opportunity for coaches. If you are interested in coaching, you can apply for our Introduction to NFL Flag Football course or visit the British American Football Coaching Association for level 1 to 3 coaching course information in Great Britain, or the AFI website in Ireland.
