Championing equality & opportunity for underserved youth in the UK
Across the UK, young people from underserved communities are facing barriers preventing them from developing the skills, confidence and belief needed to shape their future and enrich their lives.
Our NFL Foundation UK Community Partnerships program uses American football to reduce inequalities and unemployment while promoting education. The initiative provides funding and capacity building to help communities engage young people through non-contact NFL Flag Football.
The program is helping young people take an active role in determining their paths while working to close resource and opportunity gaps towards a more equitable environment for all youth. Youth participating in NFL Flag activities gain connections and develop essential teamwork, leadership and social skills, empowering them and affirming that their voices matter.
SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH NFL FLAG
Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, played by more than 20 million people in over 100 countries. Its non-contact nature makes it easy for all genders to play together, and the multitude of positions means there’s a role for every body size, shape and ability.
The Community Partnerships program provides funding and training to local community programs that seek positive paths for young people around sport, education and employment. These efforts help boost youth physical and mental wellbeing and teach them how to unlock their full capabilities.
THE PROBLEM
Young people from communities in need face inequality and lack of opportunity across the country. Many young adults in underserved communities are encountering educational, employment and personal development barriers compounded by systematic discrimination and physical and mental health inequalities.
They are also at risk of education disparities and face under- and unemployment. Because of these barriers, they can be stigmatized and undervalued in society. Historically, some sports programs have also struggled to reach certain populations including girls and diverse ethnic groups.
HOW IT WORKS
Since 2022, Beyond Sport has supported the NFL Foundation UK Community Partnerships Program rollout with funding provided by the Mayor of London and Sport England. The Foundation uses American Football and the NFL Values of respect, integrity, responsibility to team and resilience to fight inequality and help young people contribute to their future, goals and communities.
The Community Partnerships program is using NFL Flag to empower young people in deprived areas in London, Birmingham, Greater Manchester and Leeds. The collaboration focuses on initiatives to foster skills development, build confidence and improve employment outcomes.
Partners have successfully upskilled more than 80 coaches and volunteers to deliver NFL Flag. They have also made meaningful connections with young people, with 42% of participants being girls and over 79% coming from diverse ethnic communities. We were also pleased to spark collaboration among the grantees by building a network of delivery partners across London that are learning from each other.
GRANTS & CAPACITY BUILDING
Our collaboration with NFL Foundation UK has since supported 21 organizations with an investment exceeding £1 million ($1.29 million).
The program provides grants, equipment and coach training on NFL Flag to local community organizations promoting equality through sport. This enables 11 to 20-year-olds across the four cities to access activities and support to help them understand and reach their goals.
Community partners working with the NFL Foundation UK join a network of Flag providers across the country who are using the game to improve young people’s lives. Initiatives across 18 London boroughs and nine different communities in Birmingham and Manchester have impacted over 2,500 young people so far.
Grantees