Northamptonshire Sport and the Northants Ducks shine the spotlight on Flag Football growth

With a series of remarkable achievements and upcoming initiatives, they are set to transform the landscape for this exhilarating sport across the region with particular focus on girls.

Building upon Northamptonshire's recent success, most notably Lings Primary School, supported by the Northants Ducks, won the NFL Flag UK National Schools Programme who will now represent the United Kingdom in the upcoming International NFL Flag Championship in Orlando, Florida this February. This remarkable achievement not only demonstrates the exceptional talent within Northamptonshire destined for the world stage but also highlights the dedication and hard work put forth by the young athletes.

Adding to this achievement, the Northants Ducks demonstrated their prowess by clinching the under-11s National Championship in September, proving their commitment to excellence and raising the profile of flag football within the community.

On Friday, 29th September, Northamptonshire will witness the inaugural Northamptonshire Flag Football Festival within the grounds of the historic Delaprè Abbey. This momentous event will bring together 160 enthusiastic 7-9 year olds for a day of fun, camaraderie, and athletic competition. The festival promises to be a remarkable day where youngsters can immerse themselves in the world of Flag Football, fostering a love for the sport from an early age.

But our commitment to growth doesn't end there. Starting in October 2023, the Northants Ducks will launch a groundbreaking initiative - an initial 6-week after-school programme specifically tailored for a cohort of 40 girls. This programme is designed to provide them with a comprehensive introduction to the captivating world of Flag Football. It's an opportunity to empower young girls, encouraging them to explore their potential in a sport that emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness.

This dynamic partnership between Northamptonshire Sport and Northants Ducks represents a bright future for Flag Football in Northamptonshire, offering young athletes opportunities to shine on the global stage while promoting inclusivity and diversity within the sport.

A spokesperson said: "Northamptonshire Sport and the Northants Ducks are committed to fostering a culture of sportsmanship, teamwork, and excellence among the young people of Northamptonshire," said Marcel Baker, the Head Coach of the Northants Ducks. "Our recent successes and the upcoming Flag Football Festival and girls' after-school programme are significant steps towards achieving that vision."

Are you aged 7 to 16 and itching to score touchdowns in the heart-pounding world of Flag American Football? Don't settle for the sidelines – it's time to step onto the gridiron with the Northants Ducks! Contact them at [email protected] and join the winning tradition, where champions are made.