New York Jets and Palace for Life Celebrate Women's Empowerment in Sports through Flag Football

New York Jets and Palace for Life Celebrate Girls Flag League

In an exciting initiative to empower young women through sports, the New York Jets have collaborated with Palace for Life, the official charity of Crystal Palace Football Club, to host the Championship Day of the 2026 Jets NFL Girls Flag League in London. This significant event, held at the prestigious Crystal Palace FC Academy in South London, followed ten weeks of competitive league fixtures and marked the culmination of the league’s fourth season.

Over 300 girls, aged 12 to 15, represented 32 secondary schools from across London, showcasing their skills and passion for flag football. The competition was fierce, with Kingston Academy emerging victorious against Grey Court School in a nail-biting final that ended with a score of 20-18. Individual awards were also presented to highlight outstanding performances, including Offensive MVP awarded to Ella Fallahi Alvani from Kingston Academy and Defensive MVP to Olivia Green from Grey Court School.

Woody Johnson, Chairman and Partner of the New York Jets, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, "It's a proud moment for us to see this successful collaboration with Palace for Life. Hosting this championship at Crystal Palace FC Academy exemplifies our commitment to expanding girls' flag football initiatives not just in the U.S. but abroad. Watching the growth of this program in the UK has been remarkable, and we're dedicated to ensuring it continues to flourish."

The Jets' partnership with Palace for Life is set to expand further in 2027, with plans to include additional schools in South London. Palace for Life will work to identify schools in their existing network to join the league, providing them with essential resources such as uniforms, practice jerseys, flag equipment, and travel stipends for games. The Jets also aim to bring future kick-off events and championships to the Crystal Palace FC Academy.

A significant highlight of Championship Day was the official announcement of the first-ever roster for the Jets Flag Elite London, an all-girls flag football travel team comprising the top players from the league. This elite team, led by Jay Taylor of the Fruit Bats flag football team, was launched to offer advanced skill development opportunities and a new competitive pathway for young female athletes involved in flag football.

Jesse Linder, Vice President of Community Relations for the Jets, remarked, "The Jets NFL Girls Flag League is not just about competition; it's about creating genuine opportunities for young women to engage in sports. Through our partnership with Palace for Life, we're excited to expand our programs and enhance pathways from school participation to elite competition."

Mike Summers, CEO of Palace for Life, remarked on the impact of their initiatives: "By harnessing the influence of sport, we transform the lives of young people in South London. Partnering with the New York Jets allows us to introduce flag football in Crystal Palace, providing girls from our partner schools access to a fun, inclusive, and competitive sports environment."

The growth of the Jets NFL Girls Flag League in London has been impressive, with participation increasing year-over-year. The Jets' total investment in girls' flag football activities in London and Dublin now exceeds $1 million, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing accessibility and participation for girls in sports. The league uses the engaging format of flag football to teach vital strategic, communicative, and resilient skills that participants can carry into their everyday lives.

With flag football being one of the fastest-growing sports globally, and with more than 20 million players across 100 countries led primarily by women and girls, initiatives like this are vital. The sport will officially be included in the LA 2028 Olympic Games, showcasing its rising prominence.

Fans and interested participants in the UK can stay connected with the New York Jets and learn more about ongoing activities through their website at www.nyjetsinternational.com or follow them on social media platforms @NYJetsinUKandIE on X and @newyorkjetsinuk on Instagram.

About the New York Jets

Founded in 1959, the New York Jets hold a prestigious place in American football history, having made a significant impact as a charter member of the American Football League. The Jets aim to innovate and enhance the fan experience while creating opportunities for community engagement and youth development, especially through girls' flag football initiatives.

About Palace for Life

Palace for Life has been dedicated to improving lives in South London for over 30 years, using sports to foster community connections and empower young people. Their approach focuses on providing opportunities for education, employability, and personal development—making an impactful difference in the local area.