Collaboration in Action: Cardiff Met Sport and NFL Boost Flag Football Participation
- Dan Hilltout
- Apr 7
- 2 min read
In 2024, Cardiff Met Sport began an exciting collaboration with the NFL to support the rapid growth of NFL Flag Football across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. What started as a single teacher CPD session quickly became a full pathway – so popular that the very first training needed a waiting list.
The goal was simple: give school staff the confidence and knowledge to deliver NFL Flag Football back in their own settings, introducing an inclusive, fast-paced, and engaging sport that gets children moving and learning in new ways.
But the NFL’s ambition went far beyond a one-off training day. Understanding that sustainable impact requires structure, support, and opportunity, they worked with Cardiff Met Sport to build a pathway that truly empowers schools:
✅ Free Teacher CPD – equipping staff with practical skills and a deeper understanding of the game.
✅ Curriculum-Linked Schemes of Work – embedding literacy and numeracy through sport to support whole-school learning.
✅ A Free Equipment Bag – ensuring every school has what they need to get started immediately.
✅ Regional and National Competitions – giving pupils the chance to play, compete, and be inspired.
Once schools complete their CPD, they receive resources and equipment, and are invited to take part in the regional tournament – hosted annually at Cardiff Met’s Cyncoed Campus. Here, boys and girls compete together across three age groups, with an additional girls-only division to continue supporting growth in participation.
And for the teams who progress? A place at the UK Finals Day – and the ultimate prize: a once in a lifetime trip to the United States to watch an NFL fixture.
While the excitement of competition is a huge motivator, what stands out most in this collaboration is the NFL’s commitment to long-term sustainability. By embedding curriculum links, providing meaningful training, and removing resource barriers, the pathway does more than grow a sport – it supports a culture of physical activity across whole schools.
Now entering our third year of hosting both regional and national competitions, Cardiff Met Sport is excited to once again welcome primary and secondary schools to campus for the 2026 Regional Finals Day on Thursday 16th April.
Want to Get Involved?
If your school is interested in entering a team:
🔗 Book your place:
📧 Or email for more details:
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