Sussex schools aim for NFL world stage

Under the expert guidance from three Hampshire based Olympic Team GB players, George Griffiths, George Goodridge and Joe Budgen, they'll be offering coaching and tactical advice to players from Windlesham House School, Southwater Junior Academy and Cranleigh Prep as they prepare to battle it out, for an all expenses paid place, in the Grand, global final in Canton, Ohio next month.

This championship tournament is a new, elevated format designed to celebrate the best of the best from across the youth Flag Football world.

But the NFL Flag Football League wants more children to take up and take part in this non-contact version of American football and is calling on more schools to realise the benefit of NFL flag football for children as young as 5 years old.

Adrian Wallis-Adams, NFL Flag Coach for Windlesham House said: "Our goal is to bring the local school community together, with an emphasis on state schools. We have launched our own league and other schools are able to play as part of this as well as enrolling in the NFL Flag Football curriculum programme...Being all inclusive and non-contact has given us a set of young athletes that don't normally feel enthusiastic to join in or often shine in sport"

Windlesham House School became the regional hub for the NFL 2 years ago and in that time the game has been introduced to approximately 45 schools in the southeast region.

Windlesham House School are the reigning regional senior champions, Southwater Academy, the reigning Junior champions.

The final training session takes place at Windlesham House School on Saturday 15th June 2024 from 09:00hrs with some drills and then finishing with a mini tournament.

Any school in the area can join the programme and being a co-ed sport, American Flag Football has a broad appeal. Certification is delivered through a one-day recognised PE staff training course.

The NFL provides all of the training and curriculum material free of charge. There is also no ongoing obligation or direct costs if participating schools change their mind. Local schools interested in getting involved are invited to send up to 2 PE teachers for training and once trained will receive a 1st 4 Sport-accredited qualification in NFL Flag Football as well as a six-week NFL Flag Football curriculum pack and the opportunity to join the official NFL Flag for schools League.