NFL Flag-In-Schools program set to expand as youth health and wellness levels improve
The NFL, USAFootball, GENYOUth and Fuel Up To Play 60 announced this week the expansion of the NFL FLAG-In-Schools Program, which aims to increase physical activity of youth by providing flag football resources to underserved communities.
Since 2014, the partners' efforts have resulted in 4.3 million students becoming more active before, during and after school through NFL FLAG-In-Schools. This year, NFL FLAG Kits will be distributed to an additional 4,700 schools nationwide, reaching approximately 2.6 million new students. The expansion was made possible by a renewed commitment from the NFL Foundation, amounting to nearly $1.5 million.
"Football is a fun and engaging sport that teaches participants valuable life lessons both on and off field. We are excited to expand the NFL FLAG-in-Schools program and offer more kids the opportunity to get involved in the sport and have fun," said NFL Vice President of Youth and High School Football - Roman Oben.
NFL FLAG-in Schools Kits will be provided to 4,700 schools at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year. The kits include footballs, flag belts, kicking tees, posters and a physical education (PE) curriculum designed by SHAPE America for elementary and middle school students, to get active and learn the basics of football in a fun environment.
New this year, digital NFL FLAG-In-Schools training modules, including video-based instructions, will be available free of charge to PE teachers nationwide and provide more educators access to the training. The modules follow a curriculum developed by USA Football and SHAPE America that meets national standards for continuing education.
"Since the introduction of this partnership, and its subsequent expansions, each year we've heard resounding, positive feedback from educators who have received NFL FLAG Kits regarding the effectiveness of this turnkey solution and its ability to inspire both boys and girls to be physically active," said CEO of GENYOUth -Alexis Glick.
The program has seen notable success since its inception three years ago. 71% of the schools receiving kits are high-need schools, and 40% or more of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. 98% of teachers reported using the kits in their PE class with nearly half (47%) also using them after school.
Additionally, schools report that the program has helped them to increase female students' participation in physical activity at school. In fact, NFL FLAG-In-Schools sparked such an interest in Miami-Dade County Public Schools that the district developed 50 new varsity middle school girls flag leagues with 1,100 girls now playing varsity flag football.
To learn more about NFL FLAG-in-Schools, visit FuelUpToPlay60.com.
About The NFL Foundation
The National Football League Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those touched by the game of football – from players at all levels to communities across the country. The NFL Foundation represents the 32 NFL clubs and supports the health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football, and the communities that support our game. For more information on The NFL Foundation, visit: www.NFLFoundation.org.