NFL Foundation and Sport England launch fund to support GM's young people

By NFL Foundation UK | 08 February 2023 | TAGS: funding

The NFL Foundation UK and Sport England have launched a joint fund to deliver NFL Flag programmes in partnership with local communities in Greater Manchester and Birmingham.

Each bespoke funding partnership will seek positive outputs and outcomes for young people around education, employment, building inclusive communities, and improving physical and mental wellbeing.

The NFL Foundation UK is inviting registrations of interest from across Greater Manchester with investment tackling inequality and lack of opportunity faced by young people (aged 11-20) in underserved communities.

The funding comes as part of a new partnership between the NFL Foundation UK and Sport England that will see the charity expand beyond London and into communities across Greater Manchester and Birmingham.

As part of the Sport England partnership, the NFL Foundation UK will be working with Greater Manchester and Birmingham community groups for at least the next two years.

Henry Hodgson, General Manager NFL UK, said:

"We are delighted to partner with Sport England and expand the NFL Foundation UK’s reach into communities in Greater Manchester and Birmingham as part of our commitment to helping to address inequality in society through the power of sport, education and opportunity.

"It has always been our ambition to expand the NFL Foundation UK beyond London and engage more young people, and we are looking forward to working with local community organisations to co-create programs that will support local needs.

"We know how powerful NFL Flag is in connecting with underrepresented groups to help young people get active, and we are excited about the potential to further impact the lives of youngsters in the UK."

Phil Smith, Executive Director of Partnerships at Sport England, said:

"Today’s announcement is an exciting one which is centred around a shared ambition to help more under-represented young people, in more cities, engage with the growing sport of NFL Flag.

"In working with local community groups in Birmingham and Manchester themselves, and by providing a blend of opportunity, equipment and training, we believe this unique partnership can be transformational in helping more young people find a love for sport, while building social connections.”

Charities and organisations will be supported to provide NFL Flag Football programmes, training, and equipment to help young people access positive pathways and develop the skills, confidence, and self-belief to create their own future, impact society and reach their potential.

Using the power of sport to reach communities, NFL Flag has been proven to be a strong engagement tool with diverse and underserved groups, in particular young people.

The programme currently works with eight community groups across 13 London boroughs, delivering youth American Football to engage over 2,500 young people in the capital, 58% of which are female and 75% who are from a diverse ethnic background.

The NFL Foundation UK launched in 2021 as part of the NFL’s international charitable endeavours and in partnership with the Mayor of London’s ‘Sport Unites’ fund that saw the duo commit a combined £1million to the deliver NFL Foundation UK's work in the capital.

To register your interest and apply for funding please click here.

For more information, head to the NFL Foundation UK website