Success in the first year of the Loughborough College Flag Football Academy

In September 2022, the college embarked on a new academy to offer learners the opportunity to participate in Flag Football. Flag Football is the fastest growing format of the game not only in Great Britain but worldwide, where professional leagues such as the American Flag Football League (AFFL) and the newly established NFL Flag are starting to spring up. It is a high-octane, non-contact version of American football, where tackles are made by pulling off opponents' flags which all players wear on their hips.

The game retains the same inclusivity which makes American Football great, welcoming athletes of all abilities, genders, and experience levels. Play is based on the same principles as the contact game, with offensive teams having four attempts (downs) to reach a certain point on the field, with the defensive team seeking to halt their progress.

Grace Furie is studying BTEC Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development at the college, joining the Flag Football Academy in October 2022 at the first session, and has been a mainstay ever since. Since the New Year, she has thrived during the sessions, going on to train and represent the Adult Flag Loughborough Eagles Community Team in friendly matches.

Grace is now part of the three-time National Championship-winning Youth U17s flag team, 'the Leicester Huntsmen.' Grace has gone from complete novice to participating in the British American Football Association Leagues, winning her first regional tournament in Manchester in March, captaining the team in the final game.

Grace currently plays in defensive Blitzer and Cornerback positions while scoring her first touchdown as a Wide Receiver in a match against the Sheffield Giants. On Saturday, 22nd April, Grace will travel to Sheffield to participate in the Great Britain Women's Flag Football development day.

Neil Wymer, Head Coach of the Loughborough College Flag Football Academy, said, "Grace has taken to the sport like a duck to water! The progress made since joining us has been huge, and for her now to have the opportunity to be a part of the Great Britain Women's Flag Football development day is a testament to her hard work and dedication."

If you are interested in joining the Flag Football Academy, please email academysport@loucoll.ac.uk