New non-contact version of American football launched at Telford primary school

Grange Park Primary School has has introduced NFL UK Flag Football to its physical activity curriculum.

NFL UK Flag Football is a non-contact version of American football which still sees children use agility, strategic thinking, and co-operation between teammates, but where tackles are made by pulling off flags which players wear on their hips. 

British American Football claims the sport is the "fastest growing format of the game not only in Great Britain, but across the world".

The sport was introduced to Year 5 and 6 pupils at Grange Park Primary School during their curriculum PE sessions, which were met with enthusiasm.

Headteacher, Richard Thorpe said: "We’re thrilled to introduce this new sport to our students.

"It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn new skills, build new friendships, and stay active. Our goal is to offer an inclusive environment where every child feels encouraged to participate, regardless of their athletic ability."

NFL UK Flag Football will be incorporated into the school’s regular physical education curriculum and is expected to become part of the school’s after-school activities.

"We’ve had such a great response from the Year 5/6 Physical Education lessons, that we’ve decided to launch our first NFL UK Flag Football Extra-curricular sessions," physical education lead, Lee James added. 

"Myself, Mr Green and Mr McShane are all big NFL fans, so we were excited to be able to offer this new club for our students."

The Telford primary school plans to enter the NFL UK Flag Football tournament in April for the first time.

Mr James has been tasked with selecting a team of 10 to compete at the event. 

"It will be extremely difficult to select the team of 10 children from a pool of very talented athletes we have at Grange Park," he added.

"But we know the whole school will be behind the 'Grange Park Gladiators' as we take on teams from across the West Midlands."