GIRLS from Northwood and Ealing Fields schools helped the New York Jets and the Chicago Bears celebrate the second year of the Jets and Bears NFL Girls Flag league.

The initiative involved 240 UK girls, aged 12-14, through NFL Flag, the non-contact version of American football that encourages teamwork on and off the field.

The championship event at AFC Wimbledon’s ground yesterday (20), marked the culmination of a six-week league, comprising two conferences of 12 teams, with the Jets and Bears each running a conference.

During the fixtures, the girls received sessions from qualified NFL Flag coaches, along with individual branded kits from Nike. 

Yesterday, Northwood were crowned champions of the Bears’ conference defeating Beaconsfield 22-8.

Meanwhile, in the Jets’ conference, inaugural winners Ealing Fields defended their title with a 28-6 win over St Mary Magdalene.

Former Bears’ cornerback Jerry Azumah and former Jets’ running back Tony Richardson handed out the trophies.

Off-field the girls, their family and friends, were able to experience a traditional American tailgate, with food, a DJ, hair braiding and classic garden games such as cornhole and giant Jenga.

The respective champions will be special guests to the 2024 NFL London Games where the Jets and Bears will both play at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Jets and Bears NFL Girls Flag league was launched to introduce and give girls access to a new sport, overcome barriers in physical activity and for the teams to continue to grow their fanbases in the UK.