Flag football continues to grow around the world, and the Bears and Jets are helping make it happen.
On March 7, a day before International Women's Day, Chicago and New York helped launch the second year of the NFL Girls Flag football league -- the first all-girls competition of its kind in the United Kingdom -- at AFC Wimbledon's Cherry Red Records Stadium.
Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and Jets linebacker Quincy Williams both participated in the launch, which was attended by over 200 girls from 21 different schools.
Also in attendance were Jason Bell, a six-year NFL veteran and UK broadcaster, and Great Britain Women's Flag team members Ellie Thorpe, Kellie Barrett and Kate Bruinvels.
The event included an NFL Flag session conducted by NFL coaches, as well as a media workshop, activities such as cornhole and shuffleboard, and an opportunity for the participants to receive their Nike-sponsored team jerseys.
The second year of the league will kick off on April 15, with participation jumping from 120 girls based in the London borough of Ealing during the inaugural season to 260, now spanning across multiple boroughs.
The Bears and Jets will each oversee a conference. The league champion, set to be crowned on May 20, will be invited to attend the 2024 London Games -- just as last year's first-ever champion, Ealing Fields, was in 2023.
"As flag football progresses, the Chicago Bears will remain committed to championing the sport's growth," the Bears said in a statement. "We are thrilled to be back in the UK for a second year with the Jets. To see the enthusiasm and engagement for American Football is incredible, and we are excited for what the second year of the league will bring, especially ahead of the Bears playing a game
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