New York Jets Launch First NFL Girls Flag Football League In Ireland

The New York Jets have launched the first-ever NFL Girls Flag Football League in Ireland, marking a milestone for female participation in the sport.

On Tuesday, 80 girls ages 12–15 from eight schools across Dublin joined the Jets for an all-day launch event at Sport Ireland Campus. The new league, introduced ahead of International Womens Day, aims to increase access to and engagement in sports for girls across Dublin. 

The event welcomed the girls into the Jets growing international community, featuring a panel discussion hosted by Her Sport founder Niamh Tallon. The panel explored the global popularity of flag football and its impact on confidence, teamwork, and strategy-building.

Panelists included: Quincy Williams, New York Jets linebacker; Eli Hodges, Jets Director of Community Relations and Youth Football; Afia Law, NFL International Flag Football Development; Megan Howe & Helen Smyth, Irish Wolfhounds Flag Football Team.

Following the discussion, the girls participated in skill-based activities — including quarterback drills and interactive challenges — before receiving their official Nike league kits. In the afternoon, the first round of league fixtures kicked off, marking the beginning of a five-week season leading to a Championship Event on April 8.

Flag football, a non-contact version of American football, continues to grow internationally and will officially be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, led by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and supported by the NFL.

“Creating opportunities to grow girls’ participation in sport is a key priority for the Jets, both at home and in our international markets. NFL Flag provides the perfect platform to support this ambition, teaching skills and providing benefits both on and off the field,” said Jets Vice President of Community Relations Jesse Linder.

“Female participation in flag football is growing around the world, and initiatives such as these run by the Jets are a key component of the sport’s success,” said Afia Law, NFL International Flag Football Development. “The passion and enthusiasm on display was infectious, and I wish the girls the best of luck in the league’s inaugural year.”

Dublins Lord Mayor Emma Blain praised the leagues launch, noting its role in encouraging girls involvement in sports.

“The positive impacts of female participation in sport at a young age are powerful and lasting,” Blain said. “The league launched by the Jets is a fantastic moment to be part of and will provide an inclusive and safe environment for girls to enjoy sport across Dublin.”

This league represents the latest initiative by the Jets in Ireland, following their April 2024 inclusion in the NFLs ‘Global Markets Program’ (GMP). Irish fans can stay connected with the Jets and their upcoming activities at nyjetsinternational.com and follow @NYJetsinUKandIE on X and @newyorkjetsinuk on Instagram.