This past International Women’s Day (IWD), we were honoured to be invited by the New York Jets to the launch of the inaugural Jets and Bears NFL Girls Flag league, the first UK all girls’ competition of its kind, to overcome barriers in activity and to increase access to sport for young girls.
At the event, Sky Sports Presenter Hannah Wilkes, engaged with prominent advocates in women’s sport, who spoke to the 100 girls competing in the league. This included Phoebe Schecter (Team GB NFL Flag player), Celia Quansah (England Rugby Sevens player), Afia Law (Head of Community & Grassroots Development at NFL UK), Chase Claypool (Chicago Bears wide receiver), CJ Uzomah (New York Jets tight end) and Ugo Monye (Former England Rugby Union player).
Starting from the 20th of April, the inaugural league will see girls aged 12-14 compete in two conferences of six teams each (twelve teams total) across five weeks. The Jets and Bears will each run a conference in Ealing, with the winners going head-to-head in a Championship Event on May 22nd.
NFL Flag is one of the fastest growing sports globally, it is the non-contact version of American Football, it is a fun, fast, and action-packed sport that promotes accessibility for all, teamwork, and character development in youth. Both the Jets and the Bears have been instrumental in the growth of female flag football in the US. The Jets have grown from eight teams to over 110 in New York and New Jersey in just three years, while the Bears saw a 300% increase in just one year, with over 1,200 girls now participating in flag football leagues. The New York Jets stated: “The creation of our new league furthers our commitment to providing female athletes an equitable opportunity to play what we consider to be the greatest sport in the world. The collaboration between the Jets and Bears ensures the athletes will have a first class, professional experience. We are thrilled to continue cultivating meaningful relationships and expanding our fanbase throughout the United Kingdom.”
Discussion with CJ Uzomah
At the event, we had the opportunity to speak to Jets Tight End, CJ Uzomah. He shared heartwarming stories of his upbringing and how his mother was, and still is, his inspiration. The question on everyone's lips was, CJ's take on the Aaron Rodger's situation. Watch the video below to see his response and how he can now relate to fans in the UK & Ireland having to keep strange hours to wait for NFL news!
On a slight side note, CJ was very intrigued by the UK snacks on offer. He had been told on good authority that prawn cocktail Walker's and orange Lucozade were "the best" but we are yet to hear his final take on this after trying them both...
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