COVENTRY had a taste of the NFL recently after a session was held with PE teachers in the city in the hope of attracting more young people into playing American Football.
NFL UK put on the American flag football training day at Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School, with all seven of the Romero Catholic Academy’s primary schools and 12 other local schools in the city having representatives take part in the initiative.
The session saw NFL tutors educate the teachers on the technicalities of the sport, before giving the game a go for themselves during the session, which also presented ideas for it’s inclusion in the curriculum for physical education.
A free NFL flag starter pack was provided to each school present, containing footballs, flag belts, an equipment bag and further material on the curriculum within the sport, whilst receiving assurance of long-term support from NFL UK.
Head of Community and Grassroots at NFL UK, and former San Diego Chargers and London Blitz player Jason Brisbane was present at the session, having a leading role in overseeing the training.
Brisbane spoke positively about how he views the future for American football being taught and played by young people in the UK.
“We had a fantastic turnout for the training session in Coventry and all of the teachers were really enthusiastic,” he said.
“We not only introduced them to the techniques involved, but also the sport’s curriculum which covers character values, healthy eating and well-being.
“Flag football is a very inclusive sport and a lot of children have never played, so we are hoping that a number of schools in Coventry will pick up the sport.
The former-NFL player also stated that he hoped the schools involved would soon be able to compete locally and eventually stage tournaments for the wider region.
Rhye Parry, PE and Wellbeing Co-ordinator at the Romero Catholic Academy was pleased by what the session had to offer.
“It was a very interactive event which provided the teaching staff with a great insight on how to play and teach American flag football.
“Sport is particularly strong across the academy, so we are very pleased to be leading the way and supporting NFL UK as they look to introduce the game into schools across the city.”
