Parklands pupils reach NFL National Finals in remarkable debut season

Everyone at Parklands Primary School is celebrating after the school's Year 5 and 6 NFL Flag Football team secured a place at the 2026 NFL Flag Football National Finals in Manchester today.

In their very first year competing, the team has enjoyed an incredible unbeaten run through both local and regional tournaments, showcasing the determination, teamwork and aspiration that are at the heart of life at Parklands Primary in Northampton.

The school's NFL journey began during the previous academic year when Dr Chris Long, Youth and Grassroots Development Leader for the NFL, visited Parklands during Careers Week. Inspired by his presentation and the opportunities the sport could offer pupils, members of the PE team, Miss Walsh and Miss Charles, attended specialist training and established links with local club Northants Ducks.

The team's competitive journey started at the local NFL Flag Football Tournament in Wellingborough on 27 March. The pupils remained unbeaten throughout the day, earning their place at the East Midlands Regional Tournament in Nottingham on 22 April. Once again, the team rose to the challenge, completing another unbeaten campaign to secure their place at the National Finals in Manchester today (17 June).

Behind this success has been months of hard work and commitment. Pupils have trained through after-school clubs, lunchtime sessions and afternoon practices led by Miss Charles and Miss Walsh, alongside specialist coaching from Marcel of Northants Ducks Youth Flag Football Club.

The team's achievements have sparked excitement across the whole school community and inspired several pupils to join Northants Ducks outside of school. William Gallagher described Marcel as "the best coach I've ever had", while Roman Hancock said he would have continued training and practising even if the team had not qualified because he enjoys the sport so much.

One pupil, Hugo Lewin, has become especially passionate about flag football. Since joining Northants Ducks, he has progressed into one of the club's top teams and hopes to continue playing beyond primary school. With flag football set to feature in future Olympic Games, Hugo has even spoken about his dream of one day representing Great Britain.

The team's success is a wonderful example of how sport can inspire children to develop confidence, resilience and ambition. Whether training after school, supporting one another during tournaments or taking their first steps into community sport, every member of the squad has played an important role in this remarkable achievement.

As the team travels to Manchester, everyone at Parklands Primary School and across Preston Hedges Trust would like to congratulate the players, coaches and families who have supported this journey.

Carmilla Richards, Headteacher at Parklands commented; 

“We are incredibly proud of what this team has achieved. They have demonstrated determination, teamwork, respect and aspiration every step of the way, and they embody everything that makes Parklands such a special school community. We wish them the very best of luck at the National Finals and cannot wait to cheer them on as they represent Parklands on the national stage.”