Two schools emerged victorious as primary and secondary schools competed in the 2023 NFL UK Flag Football National Championships at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Flag Football is the non-contact format of American Football, and with boys and girls competing, it has become one of the fastest-growing sports around the world and is reportedly in contention to be included in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. It is easy to see why.
The sport engages people of all ages, genders, and abilities. It allows people to play the infamously physical game without the issues that come with getting hit for 60 minutes, and the NFL UK Flag Football National tournament proved to be popular.
With 19 local and regional qualification tournaments held throughout 2023, it meant 192 schools, 1,920 pupils and 384 coaches were involved across the United Kingdom. The success of the tournament showcases the growing appeal of the sport, as well as the NFL’s continued commitment to it's development on these shores.
The 2023 tournament marked the biggest-ever national finals, as well as the inaugural secondary school edition alongside the primary schools. Lings Primary School secured a 20-0 victory over Windlesham House in the final, while St Ivo Academy became the first secondary school national champions by defeating Warden Park 22-6.
Lings Primary School will follow in the footsteps of last year’s champions Little Ealing by representing the UK at the NFL Flag International Division at Pro Bowl 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. St Ivo Academy will return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in October to act as Flag bearers for one of this year’s International Series games.
Washington Commanders defensive end Efe Obada was in attendance in north London, excitedly cheering on the kids as they competed for national glory. Obada has fond memories at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium since he helped his former team, the Carolina Panthers, defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the ground back in 2019 - and he was pleased to share the stage with the next generation.
“It’s important to play here at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium,” Obada said. “Last time we did this event it was in Loughborough, and that was really cool. We had a lot of NFL stars show up to commend the whole new academy.
“But for them to be in the stadium and have this experience is something that some of these kids will never get again. We get to share and give that to them. For me, the stars had to align for me to be here and give the kids the opportunity to be a part of this.
“It brings back a lot of memories for sure, but it gets me excited for what’s to come.”
When asked what it feels like to see American Football growing each time he returns to the UK in the offseason, Obada - who is entering his seventh NFL campaign in 2023 - said: “Honestly, I love it. I love the fact that this is becoming part of our culture.
“I see something big. I see the opportunities it is creating. I see the lives it is changing. There is support for it. There’s a lot of people that love it and want to be a part of it, whether that is playing or living in the game.”
