Flag Football is a limited contact version of the American Football Game .The Rugby style tackle is outlawed and tackles are made by way of removing popper attached pieces of material (flags) from the ball carriers’ waist belt .Apart from having no Kick Off and fumble recoveries,to prevent injury to players ,the game is just as exciting (and most observers would agree more skilful ,as technique rather than brute force is required) and probably faster than that shown on your TV screen .There are now only 6 youth and 2 junior teams in England playing in either a recognised Junior (9 - 14) or Youth (14 - 18) league ,both under the auspices of the British Youth American Football Association formerly the (NFFA) National Flag Football Association .There is also a similar set up containing about 6 teams in Scotland .
Flag Football is the fastest growing American sport within the U.K. The NFL and NFL Europe are actively encouraging youngsters to try the sport out and are investing huge amounts of money in setting up training camps ,sending over American coaches and starting minor leagues with the aim of teams eventually joining the elite in BYAFA . There is a Senior National League within the NFFA .
Your club will benefit from having a Flag Football team .If you havent got a youth set up then WHY? We all know the mistakes some clubs have made because they have run out of players etc. Why not use the flag team as a feeder for your senior side .Your kids will gain experience in playing at the highest level of Flag Football in BYAFA and get them used to playing competitive games .Then once the players are of age for senior football then you can prepare them for kitted play.
It hardly costs teams anything to start a Flag team.Firstly ,New Teams pay NO Team Registration during there first season.You are looking at paying around £90 for 24 flag sets.Travelling to games is the only cost you will find matters but if more teams appear then travelling will be kept to a minimum.
Talented youngsters in the Junior age bracket (9 -14) can find themselves selected to the National squad the ‘Great Britain Knights’ .Also at the end of the season there is an All Star Game ,North versus South .
