LONDON — More than 300 girls from 32 schools across London wrapped up the 2026 New York Jets NFL Girls Flag League season with a championship tournament at Crystal Palace FC Academy, where Kingston Academy captured the title in a dramatic 20-18 final against Grey Court School.
The event marked a major expansion milestone for the Jets’ growing investment in girls flag football in the United Kingdom, including a new partnership with Palace for Life — the official charity of Crystal Palace Football Club — aimed at bringing more schools into the program across South London beginning in 2027.
Held after 10 weeks of league competition, the championship also introduced the first-ever Jets Flag Elite London roster, an all-girls travel team designed to create a pathway from school participation to higher-level competition.
“Hosting the championship tournament at Crystal Palace FC Academy was a big deal,” New York Jets Chairman and Crystal Palace director Woody Johnson said. “To see it take root and flourish in the U.K. has been remarkable.”
The league has become one of the Jets’ flagship international community initiatives as flag football rapidly expands worldwide ahead of its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Kingston Academy Wins Championship Thriller
Kingston Academy secured the 2026 title with a narrow 20-18 victory over Grey Court School in the final game of Championship Day.
Individual honors highlighted standout performances across the tournament. Ella Fallahi Alvani of Kingston Academy earned Offensive MVP honors, while Olivia Green of Grey Court School received Defensive MVP recognition.
The all-day event closed the fourth year of the Jets’ London girls flag football initiative, which has grown steadily since launch.
Organizers said participation reached more than 300 girls between the ages of 12 and 15 this year, reflecting continued year-over-year growth in both school involvement and athlete participation.
Partnership Expands Flag Football Across South London
The Jets announced that Palace for Life will help expand the league in 2027 by recruiting additional schools through its existing community relationships across South London.
Participating schools will receive uniforms, practice jerseys, flag football equipment, and travel stipends funded through the program.
The Jets also said they hope to continue hosting future kickoff events and championship tournaments at Crystal Palace FC Academy.
Key Points
• Kingston Academy defeated Grey Court School 20-18 to win the 2026 Jets NFL Girls Flag title in London
• The New York Jets partnered with Palace for Life to expand the league across South London in 2027
• More than 300 girls from 32 schools participated in the 2026 season
Jets Launch Elite Girls Travel Team in London
Championship Day also featured the unveiling of Jets Flag Elite London, a new all-girls travel team made up of top athletes from the league.
The team will be led by Jay Taylor of the Fruit Bats flag football organization and aims to provide advanced coaching and elite-level development opportunities for players seeking higher competition.
The program was originally announced during the league’s March kickoff event.
“The Jets NFL Girls Flag League in London is creating real opportunity for young women to play flag football in London,” said Jesse Linder, the Jets’ vice president of community relations.
Linder said the organization hopes the expanded partnership and elite pathway will help accelerate long-term growth for girls flag football throughout the city.
Palace for Life CEO Mike Summers said the initiative aligns with the charity’s broader mission of using sports to support young people in South London communities.
“We’re proud to partner with the New York Jets to bring flag football to Crystal Palace,” Summers said. “Creating new opportunities for girls from our partner schools to access and enjoy sport in a fun, inclusive and competitive environment.”
Olympic Momentum Fuels Global Growth
The Jets said their combined investment in girls flag football programs in London and Dublin has now surpassed $1 million.
The initiative comes as flag football continues emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, particularly among women and girls.
According to organizers, more than 20 million people now play flag football across 100 countries worldwide.
The sport received a major boost after earning official inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games program following efforts by the International Federation of American Football and support from the NFL.
The British American Football Association is also working alongside the NFL to expand participation and infrastructure throughout the United Kingdom.
Supporters of the Jets initiative say the sport’s accessible format helps introduce new athletes to organized competition while building communication, teamwork, resilience, and strategic thinking skills.
With expansion plans already underway for 2027, organizers expect the London league to continue growing as flag football gains momentum internationally ahead of its Olympic debut.
