The vibrant atmosphere of the Crystal Palace FC Academy in South London was the stage for the culmination of the 2026 Jets NFL Girls Flag league on May 11, 2026. This marked the fourth year of the initiative, which saw Kingston Academy emerge victorious, securing the championship title with a hard-fought 20-18 win against Grey Court School. The partnership between the New York Jets and Palace for Life, the official charity of Crystal Palace Football Club, has been instrumental in fostering the growth of flag football among young women in London.
A New Pathway for Elite Talent
Beyond crowning the league champions, the event also served as the official unveiling of the Jets Flag Elite London. This newly formed all-girls Flag football travel team represents a significant step forward in providing an elite pathway for talented young athletes. Launched in March, the team aims to offer advanced skill development and competitive opportunities for top players emerging from the London league. Jay Taylor of the Fruit Bats flag football team will lead this exciting new venture, which promises to elevate the standard of girls' flag football in the region.
Growing the Game in the UK
Jesse Linder, Vice President of Community Relations for the New York Jets, expressed enthusiasm for the program's impact. "The Jets NFL Girls Flag League in London is creating real opportunity for young women to play flag football in London," Linder stated. "Through our new partnership with Palace for Life, we're excited to expand the program in South London and continue growing the pathway from school participation to elite competition with Jets Flag Elite London." This sentiment was echoed by Mike Summers, CEO of Palace for Life, who highlighted the charity's commitment to using sport for positive social change. The growing popularity of flag football globally, with an estimated 20 million players across 100 countries and a significant surge in female participation, underscores the importance of such initiatives. The sport's inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympic Games programme further bolsters its international profile.
Recognizing Individual Excellence
Outstanding individual performances were also celebrated during the Championship Day. Ella Fallahi Alvani from Kingston Academy was recognized with the Offensive MVP award, while Olivia Green from Grey Court School received the Defensive MVP accolade. These awards highlight the exceptional talent and dedication present within the league. Woody Johnson, Chairman and Partner of the New York Jets and Director of Crystal Palace Football Club, congratulated Kingston Academy on their victory, emphasizing the league's success in developing young athletes. The British American Football Association (BAFA) has also expressed its anticipation of working with the NFL to further promote and grow flag football across the United Kingdom, signalling a bright future for the sport.