From 2025 onwards, the Flag Football National Leagues will be managed directly by BAFA. This strategic move follows months of consultation and evaluation of proposals, as well as feedback from the community and consideration of long-term goals aligned with key stakeholders such as UK Sport and Sport England.
Why This Change?
BAFA has been carefully assessing the best approach for managing the future of Flag Football in the UK. After reviewing options to outsource competition delivery and analysing how these decisions fit with its broader ambitions—especially with a focus on the 2028 LA Olympics – BAFA has opted to manage the leagues internally for 2025. While there remains the possibility of working with external partners in the future, BAFA believes it is essential to stay closely connected to its competitions at this critical time.
BAFA CEO Chad Ehlertsen said: “Bringing the delivery of our 2025 Flag Football National Leagues fully in-house allows us to stay closely connected to the heart of our Flag Football community at this pivotal time. As we continue discussions on future funding and partnerships, managing the leagues directly lets us remain agile and responsive to community needs while aligning with our long-term goals for the sport.”
New Competition Management Group
To ensure the transition is smooth, BAFA has quickly established a Flag Football Competition Management Group. This group will manage all levels of the National Leagues and has already begun work to prepare for the 2025 season. The group includes experienced BAFA volunteers Alan Young, Paul Labbett, and Neil Henderson. Youth Flag Football will also fall under the remit of this management group – which will sit within the existing management structure.
- Alan Young, GB Men’s Flag Head Coach, will lead the group, bringing his extensive experience in managing leagues and tournaments both within and outside BAFA.
- Paul Labbett, GB Men’s Team Manager, provides strong administrative expertise.
- Neil Henderson, a key figure in youth flag football, also contributes significant knowledge from his work with the GB youth program.
Additional volunteers will be brought on board, and the structure of the group will be formalised in the coming weeks, along with key dates and actions required from teams.
What’s Next for the Flag Football Community?
For teams and participants, it will be business as usual. Updates on membership for the National Flag Football League (NFFL) and Youth Flag Football League (YFFL) will be shared shortly, with teams encouraged to stay informed via the Flag Operations email – flagoperations@britishamericanfootball.org for any immediate questions.
While preparing for the 2025 season is a priority, BAFA is also focused on the long-term development of Flag Football. Plans to establish a Flag Advisory Committee, which will bring together representatives from Operations, the National Programme, Rules, and Officiating, are being revisited. This committee will foster collaboration and innovation across the Flag Football landscape, working closely with internal and external stakeholders.
Looking Ahead to 2028 and Beyond
BAFA remains committed to the long-term growth of Flag Football, especially with the sport’s potential inclusion in the 2028 LA Olympics. The appointment of a Head of Flag remains on hold pending further clarity on funding partnerships. In the meantime, a BAFA board representative will chair the Flag Advisory Committee to ensure progress continues.
BAFA also extended its thanks to Catalyst, which delivered the Mixed Adult Flag Competition this year. Special recognition was given to Kyle Taylor for his work as Flag Commission Lead in advancing the flag football ecosystem within BAFA.
CEO Chad Ehlertsen added: “We thank everyone for their patience and input during this process and look forward to advancing flag football as we approach the 2028 Olympics and beyond. We’re excited to continue our work with key stakeholders like Catalyst to grow flag football participation across the UK.”
Feature image courtesy of Andy Keith Photo
