Flag Football
Flag is the fastest growing format of the game not only in Great Britain, but across the world, where professional leagues such as the American Flag Football League (AFFL) and the newly established NFL Flag are starting to spring up. It is a high-octane, non-contact version of American football, where tackles are made by pulling off flags which all players wear on their hips.
The game retains the same inclusivity which makes American Football great, welcoming athletes of all abilities, genders and levels of experience. Play is based on the same principles as the contact game with offensive teams having four attempts (downs) to reach a certain point on the field with the defensive team seeking to halt their progress.
The British American Football Association (BAFA) is the National Governing Body for American football in Great Britain and is responsible for leading the development, regulation and growth of the sport across the country.
BAFA oversees all aspects of the game, from grassroots participation through to national team representation, ensuring opportunities exist for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to get involved in both contact and non-contact formats of American football, including flag football.
BAFA's work includes:
- Organising and promoting national amateur competitions across contact and flag football.
- Supporting and managing Great Britain's national teams in international competition.
- Creating opportunities for participation, development and progression for players, coaches, officials and volunteers.
- Governing and regulating the sport through its rules, standards and frameworks.
- Representing British American football with national and international sporting organisations, partners and commercial stakeholders.
Working alongside BAFA, NFL UK and colleges across the country, AoC Sport is supporting the growth of flag football within further education through resources, training opportunities, leadership development and the potential introduction of regional college festivals. Whether your college is looking to launch a new programme, expand existing activity or develop student leaders and officials, there are a range of opportunities available to help you get started.
Resources to Support Delivery
A variety of educational and coaching resources are available to support colleges in delivering high-quality flag football sessions.
Primary School Resources
Resources designed to introduce flag football in primary school settings, including:
- Session plans
- Game cards
- Activity resources
- Teaching guidance
Secondary School Resources
Resources to support delivery with older participants, including:
- Session plans
- Game cards
- Activity adaptations
- Progression opportunities
Young Officials Workshop Resources
Colleges can also access resources to train and develop student officials, helping learners gain leadership and officiating experience within the sport.
These resources can support students to:
- Lead flag football activities
- Support competitions and festivals
- Develop communication and leadership skills
- Gain volunteering experience that can support future progression opportunities
Teacher Training Opportunities
NFL UK continues to offer a nationwide programme of teacher training workshops designed to help staff feel confident delivering flag football sessions.
Training days provide:
- Introduction to flag football rules and gameplay
- Practical delivery techniques
- Ideas for curriculum and enrichment activity
- Resources to support ongoing delivery
- Networking opportunities with other educators
Upcoming Training Dates
Guildford Training Day — 5 November 2026 — Surrey Sports Park, Richard Meyjes Rd, Guildford, GU2 7AD
North London Training Day — 10 November 2026 — Market Road Football Pitches, Islington Tennis Centre, Market Rd, London, N7 9PL
West London Training Day — 12 November 2026 — Springwest Academy, 2 Browell's Ln, Feltham, TW13 7EQ
Wallingford Training Day — 16 November 2026 — Wallingford Sports Park, Wallingford, OX10 9RB
Devon Training Day — 17 November 2026 — School Harts Lane, Exeter, EX1 3RD
Cornwall Training Day — 19 November 2026 — Treloweth School, Higher Broad Ln, Redruth, TR15 3JL
Swindon Training Day — 20 November 2026 — Abbey Meads Community School, Swindon, SN25 4GY
South London Training Day — 24 November 2026 — AELTC Community Tennis Centre, 170 Grand Dr, Raynes Park, SW20 9NB
East London Training Day — 25 November 2026 — Redbridge Sports Centre, Forest Rd, Ilford IG6 3HD
Flint Training Day — 3 December 2026 — TBC
Newcastle Training Day 1 — 9 December 2026 — Gosforth Central Middle School, Great North Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1UN
Newcastle Training Day 2 — 10 December 2026 — Gosforth Central Middle School, Great North Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 1UN
Leicester Training Day — 7 January 2027 — Allexton & New Parks FC, Glenfield Road, Leicester, LE3 6DN
Northampton Training Day — 8 January 2027 — TBC
Cambridge Training Day — 13 January 2027 — Cambridge Regional College, Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge, CB4 2QT
Norwich Training Day — 15 January 2027 — City Academy Norwich, Bluebell Road, Norwich, NR4 7LP
Manchester Training Day — 19 January 2027 (subject to change) — TBC
Liverpool Training Day — 20 January 2027 — TBC
Lancaster Training Day — 21 January 2027 — Lancaster & Morecambe College, Morecambe, LA1
Ipswich Training Day — 22 January 2027 — Inspire Suffolk, Lindbergh Road, Ipswich, IP3 9QX
Birmingham Training Day — 26 January 2027 (subject to change) — TBC
Coventry Training Day — 27 January 2027 — Allan Higgs Centre, Allard Way, Coventry, CV3 1HW
Telford Training Day — 28 January 2027 (subject to change) — TBC
Nottingham Training Day — 29 January 2027 — David Ross Sports Village, University of Nottingham University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD
Sheffield Training Day — 1 February 2027 — The Sheffield College, Hillsborough College, Livesey Street, Sheffield, S6 2ET
Hull Training Day — 2 February 2027 — TBC
York Training Day — 3 February 2027 (subject to change) — TBC
Leeds Training Day — 4 February 2027 — TBC