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British American Football National Leagues secure first title partner since 1992

  • Writer: Isaac Oldcorn
    Isaac Oldcorn
  • 10 minutes ago
  • 2 min read
Union Jack Classic

The British American Football Association (BAFA) has confirmed new details of its partnership with the Union Jack Classic, the UK’s first-ever American college football game, as it becomes the title partner of BAFA’s national competitions, delivering direct benefits for British players, coaches and referees.


From March 2026, all BAFA flag and contact American football competitions will operate under the banner BAFA National Leagues powered by Union Jack Classic — the first national league title partnership in British American football since 1992, when American beverage giant Budweiser were the title sponsor.


At the centre of the collaboration is the creation of the BAFA x Union Jack Classic Gameday Workforce Fund, which will subsidise coaching courses and officiating training throughout 2026.


The fund is designed to widen access to coaching and officiating in the UK by supporting recruitment, development and retention across both flag and contact football.


It will focus on building sustainable workforces within BAFA clubs and BUCS institutions, alongside an enhanced programme of continuing professional development opportunities for coaches and officials.


Subsidised courses in 2026


  • BAFCA Level One: £55 → £10

  • BAFCA Level Two: £130 → £20

  • Introduction to Flag Football for Community: £40 → £10

  • Flag Football Officiating: £40 → £10

  • Self-Officiating for Flag Football: £30 → £10


The fund will be backdated to 1 November 2025 for BAFCA Level One and Two qualifications, supporting coaches who began or completed training during the 2025–26 season. BAFA will also work with the British American Football Referees’ Association to support new officials entering the game.


All 2026 BAFA competitions across age groups will benefit from increased exposure through the partnership, including featured games, player and team storytelling, and community engagement linked to the Union Jack Classic on 19 September 2026.


BAFA members, including those competing in BUCS, will also gain access to exclusive ticket opportunities for the landmark fixture between the University of Kansas and Arizona State University.


Thomas Hensey, Co-Founder and COO of Union Jack Classic, said: “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.


“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.”


BAFA CEO Chad Ehlertsen added: “Our partnership with Union Jack Classic highlights the importance of collaboration in providing meaningful and tangible benefits for the British American football community.


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 empower that workforce and continue to raise the profile of the sport in the UK and beyond.”


Together, BAFA and Union Jack Classic are poised to usher in a new era for British American football, strengthening the domestic game while enhancing its visibility on the national and international stages.


Full Press Release below:


 
 
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