BAFA has confirmed new details of its partnership with the Union Jack Classic, announced in December 2025, including subsidised coach and official training, national competition activations and member benefits around the event in autumn 2026.
Headlining BAFA’s partnership with Union Jack Classic is the creation of the BAFA x Union Jack Classic Gameday Workforce Fund. The fund will subsidise coaching and support officiating training courses throughout 2026, widening access to the British American football workforce by supporting the recruitment, development, and retention of coaches and officials in contact and flag football.
The fund, which will be reviewed throughout 2026, focuses on growing sustainable workforces in BAFA clubs and BUCS institutions, with an emphasis on improving retention and quality through structured training support.
An enhanced coach and official CPD offer will supplement the fund, providing the workforce with more high-quality development opportunities over the course of the year.
A full breakdown of the Gameday Workforce Fund can be found below:
| Course | Price (£) | Subsidised Price (£) |
| BAFCA Level One | 55 | 10 |
| BAFCA Level Two | 130 | 20 |
| Introduction to Flag Football for Community | 40 | 10 |
| Flag Football Officiating Course | 40 | 10 |
| Self-Officiating for Flag | 30 | 10 |
Live from Sunday 1 March 2026, the fund will be backdated to 1 November 2025 for BAFCA Level One and Two, partially refunding coaches who have started qualifications since the beginning of the 2025-26 national competition season. The process for partial refunds is being finalised and will be communicated in the coming weeks to those eligible. BAFA will also work directly with the British American Football Referees’ Association (BAFRA) to support the transition of new officials.
With the Union Jack Classic joining BAFA as National Competitions Title Partner, all BAFA competition in 2026 will take place within the BAFA National Leagues powered by Union Jack Classic.
BAFA’s contact and flag football competitions across all age groups will benefit from heightened coverage as part of the BAFA x Union Jack Classic partnership, including spotlighted team and player performances, featured games, and engagement opportunities leading into and during the Union Jack Classic on 19 September 2026.
BAFA members, including those participating in BUCS, will also receive access to exclusive ticket options at the Union Jack Classic, opening the doors for the British American Football community into the UK’s first-ever American college football game.
“Union Jack Classic is proud to support BAFA’s contact and flag communities with resources that benefit players, coaches and referees to ultimately grow the game across all levels,” said Thomas Hensey, Union Jack Classic’s co-founder and COO.
“It is important to UJC that we support and invest back into the domestic game and together continue to grow the sport we all play and love.”
“Our partnership with Union Jack Classic really highlights the importance of collaboration in providing meaningful and tangible benefits for the British American football community,” said BAFA CEO Chad Ehlertsen.
“Looking at the future of flag and contact American football in the UK, it’s essential that we develop and protect the sport’s workforce of coaches and officials. Our work with Union Jack Classic will not only empower that workforce, but continue to raise the profile of the sport in the UK and beyond.”
BAFA x Union Jack Classic Workforce Fund FAQs
How do I access the discounts for BAFCA coaching and officiating courses?
Discount codes for coaching and officiating courses will be communicated to BAFA members and affiliated clubs. If you are not associated to a BAFA club, please contact registrations@britishamericanfootball.org to request a code.
How will the discounted courses be backdated?
The discounts to BAFCA coaching and officiating courses will be backdated to 1 November 2025 to align with the new BAFA national competition season. Anyone who registered for a course on or after 1 November 2025 will be eligible for a partial refund. The process for refunds is still being finalised, and will be communicated to eligible individuals.
Flag coaching and officiating courses were discounted in December, will this continue?
The discounts for Flag coaching and officiating will now be covered by the BAFA x Union Jack Classic Gameday Workforce Fund. Individuals will now require the discount codes mentioned above in order to apply the discount.
How long will these courses be discounted?
The BAFA x Union Jack Classic Gameday Workforce Fund will be reviewed throughout 2026. Courses will remain discounted subject to review.