The Union Jack Classic Gameday Workforce Fund, part of BAFA’s National Competition Title Partnership with Union Jack Classic, supported more than 750 new coach and official course registrations and has now closed for 2026.
Launched in February as a core driver of BAFA’s partnership with Union Jack Classic, the Gameday Workforce Fund subsidised coaching training courses and supported officials’ training, aiming to widen access to the British American football workforce and support the recruitment, development, and retention of coaches and officials in contact and flag football.
With more than 750 training courses registered for through the fund, qualifications will now return to standard pricing for the remainder of the season while the fund is reviewed.
BAFA’s partnership with Union Jack Classic has also provided new and unique Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for British American Football coaches and officials. Online clinics with coaches from Kansas University and Arizona State University have already taken place, with more scheduled for later in the season, while collaboration with BIG 12 officials is set to give British referees new opportunities for insight and development.
What’s new in coaching?
While course registrations through the Union Jack Classic Gameday Workforce Fund lead the line-up, here are some headlines you might have missed from the world of British American Football coaching:
BAFCA Coaching Convention and Coaching Awards set to return
The annual Coaching Convention returns this weekend, 10-11 July at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham. With speakers from across the globe bringing a wealth of knowledge and a dedicated flag football section, register your free space now!
Lydon Ward-Best and Dave Gibbs appointed Head and Deputy Head of Coaching
40 Free Level One coaching qualifications provided to new U16 and U19 contact coaches
BAFCA deliver improved responsiveness (72 hour email turnaround) and assessment (one week).
BAFA host Youth Coaching Summit led by GB Academy Head Coach Mike Davies