The 2025 season is the 40th anniversary of American Football being played in an organised league structure on these shores. As a curtain raiser to this milestone season, we pay homage to the rich history of British American Football and cast forward to its bright future.
The emergence of British American football’s pioneering AFLUK league in 1985 was a gamechanger, in a season that culminated in the London Ravens defeating the Streatham Olympians, in Summerbowl I, at Villa Park, Birmingham (below).
The inaugural year saw the emergence of the Great Britain Men’s National Team who made their entrance on the international stage – beating France 7-0 in their first ever outing. The British Collegiate American Football League (BCAFL) also took its fledgling steps, marking the start of four decades of history of university gridiron in this country.
British American Football has come a long way since its early days in the 1980s. What began as a niche sport with a passionate community has grown into a structured and competitive ecosystem, with domestic leagues, national teams, and increasing mainstream recognition.
Join us in marking 40 Seasons of Britball in 2025, as over the coming months we celebrate the players, coaches, administrators and fans who have shaped the game in Britain via a series of events across the domestic and international season.
British American Football through the decades: 1990s: Hall of Famer Phil Alexander kicking for the London Monarchs; 2000s: Farnham Knights crowned British Champions; 2010s: Sterling Clansmen win University Championship in 2014 (pic Dave Tidswell); 2020s: GB Women win the Flag European Championships (pic Andy Keith).
1980s – Laying the Foundations
British American football exploded onto the UK scene in the early 1980s, sparked by Channel 4’s coverage of the NFL. The first games were played in 1983 and in 1985 a competitive national league was launched with six regional divisions. By the mid-80s, there were over 100 teams nationwide. The first British Championship game, the “Summer Bowl” was held in 1985, and was won by the London Ravens, marking the culmination of the first organised national competition. BAFA was formed in 1987, and American import players were allowed in the league, driving up the standard of play. In 1989 the GB Lions became European Champions. This was a decade of grassroots growth, entrepreneurism, passionate volunteerism, and the birth of a new sporting culture in Britain.
1990s – Growth, Structure and International Success
As the sport matured, the 1990s saw the development of the governing body (BAFA) and a more structured league system. Youth football began to emerge, building a pathway for player development. The Great Britain Lions established themselves as a force, winning the European Championships for the second time in 1991. Domestic competition became more competitive, and the BAFA National League was introduced, laying the groundwork for the modern British game. The NFL World League was launched, giving the top British players the opportunity to play professionally.
2000s – Unification and National Pride
The 2000s brought a much-needed reorganisation of the sport. In 2005, BAFA was reconstituted and brought together the different formats of the game under a single governing body. The decade saw a rise in the number of university teams, growing interest in flag football, and the development of a more unified coaching and officiating framework. GB teams represented the UK with pride, and the sport began to solidify its place in the national sporting landscape.
2010s – Inclusion, Investment and Elite Performance
This decade was defined by greater inclusivity and investment in player pathways. Women’s tackle football gained traction, with the GB Women’s team earning silver at the 2015 European Championship and coming in a commendable fourth at the 2017 World Championships in Canada. Flag football saw exponential growth at grassroots and elite levels. Coaching, officiating, and player development were further professionalised, and university football became a powerhouse, producing talent for both domestic and international squads.
2020s – A New Era and the Road to LA 2028
British American football is now entering a transformative era. With flag football set to debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Great Britain’s national flag teams are among the top-ranked in the world. BAFA has invested in developing performance programmes, expanding youth participation, and creating safer, more inclusive playing environments. As we celebrate 40 competitive seasons and four decades of the sport in the UK, the future has never looked brighter.
