American Football
With thanks to British American Football for the use of this video.
So that’s how we imagine American Football don’t we? So, thinking about playing could be hugely off putting for most kids your age. However, we are here to tell you about Flag Football or Cadet Flag which is the format aimed at your age group. These are all five-aside versions of the game, known as 'small-sided football' - the games are shorter and on a smaller pitch, with no kicking or contact
With thanks to the BAFA and BAFCA for the use of this video.
The game is split up in age groups as follows:
Age 7-13 - cadet flag (non contact)
Age 13-16 - youth flag (non contact)
Age 13-16 - youth contact
Not all clubs offer these levels, but there's enough that do across the UK if you’re interested in giving it a go. Currently, the British American Football Association don’t have a 'club finder' section on their website but this is something they are looking into. They recommend that interested players contact age.groups@britishamericanfootball.org for further information.
Currently around 400 children take part in cadet and youth flag. There are 23 cadet teams, 14 youth flag teams, and 40 youth contact teams registered for 2020 competition.
For flag football, no kit is really needed - clubs will provide flag belts and balls usually. Players just need a mouth guard!
The British American Football Association have shared some videos of games with us. The footage is long but if you’re keen to watch a whole game then take a look or pick and choose how much you watch.
The first is the U17 championship final for youth contact:
With thanks to the BAFA and BAFCA for the use of this video.
2019 Britbowl final -
With thanks to the BAFA and BAFCA for the use of this video.
Great Britain Women vs Finland -
With thanks to the BAFA and BAFCA for the use of this video.
