PULSE


Not just for the big guys


American Football has oftenbeen viewed by many in the UK as a game played by huge guys in the NFL. Well we can’t deny that there are more than a few sizeable figures but there’s so much more to the game than that.


Despite what you may think there is an ever growing community of players, officials and fans in the country with children starting to play flag football, the non contact version of the game, from primary school age.


Most of the growth that is being seen in the game is within the youth and women’s game and as a result of the work by BAFA, the sports governing body in Great Britain, American Football was recognised as a chosen sport by the School Games recently.


At the heart of the School Games is the understanding that competitive sport needs to be made accessible and enjoyable for all young people and not just that but at a level that is right for them. For us, the UK’s leading deliverer of American Football to schools and colleges, this is really important to gain a greater understanding of the inclusivity that American Football brings.


We hear many stories from teachers who have brought Flag Football into their schools and seen how it has brought children back into PE that may have previously strayed away from traditional sports. Why? The inclusivity of the sport. It’s not just that it is open to both boys and girls to play, it’s the fact there are roles for people in the game no matter what your size or build, your speed, your ability to throw or catch a ball. In American Football there are positions where you’re not allowed to touch the ball. That pupil with the poor hand/eye or hand/foot co-ordination suddenly finds they’ve got a role to play, and it’s a valuable role too. You might hear on TV about the star quarterback, but his throwing arm is only as good as his ability to have a fullback to protect him or a wide receiver to catch the ball. It really is the epitome of team sport where everyone knows their role and any chink in the armour can be damaging.


So how can schools get in the game? At AFD Limited we are committed to the development of American Football in the UK. We coach Flag Football in curriculum time and after school clubs in both primary and secondary schools with the game available from Key Stage 2 upwards. We also now have provision for Key Stage 1 which takes children on a journey into Flag Football by offering PE sessions


12 The Kent & Medway School Sports Magazine


working on simple motor skills with practiced dance and choreographed movement patterns. We also provide CPD, experience days and tournament days working with both schools and School Games Organisers to get the best fit for their school and their pupils. And if you want to keep the game going, we can even supply equipment for you too. All of AFD’s programmes are developed in line with the requirements of the National Curriculum and all AFD coaches are fully trained, insured and DBS checked.


In 2016 alone we introduced over 5,000 children to the game of


American Football and seen, since we started in 2014, many children progress their love of the sport by joining local clubs. It’s also helped bring some students back into sport, as one Canterbury secondary school teacher told us “the sport engaged a group of year 10 students who had started dropping out of other sports.”


With the NFL International Series back in London, there will be renewed interest in the game of American Football. Could one of your pupils make it to the NFL or just find a sport where they finally have a place? Either way AFD would love to help you find your way to the field.


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