London – October 02, 2026 -- The New York Jets and Palace for Life, the official charity of Crystal Palace Football Club, have launched a partnership that will expand the Jets NFL Girls Flag League across eight schools in the Crystal Palace area of South London, backed by a $100,000 grant from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation.
Grant funds equipment and training for eight new schools
The funding, directed by Jets Chairman and Crystal Palace FC Partner and Director Woody Johnson, will supply uniforms, practice jerseys, flag football equipment and travel support to the eight schools: Orchard Park, Langley Park School for Girls, Sedgehill Academy, Orion Eden Park, Hayes Park, Carshalton High School for Girls, Orion Ravensbourne and La Retraite. The expansion will grow the Jets London League to more than 40 schools and over 450 participants when the wider league kicks off in Spring 2027.
Ninety representatives attend inaugural clinic at Crystal Palace Academy
Ninety representatives from the eight schools attended a clinic at the Crystal Palace Academy hosted by the New York Jets, trying flag football for the first time ahead of the broader rollout next year. Palace for Life identified the participating schools through its existing network across South London.
"Sports have the power to bring people together, build confidence and create opportunities for young people," said Woody Johnson. "We've seen how quickly girls flag football has grown, and we're proud to continue expanding our efforts internationally and creating new pathways for young women in South London and beyond."
Jets' London and Dublin flag football investment surpasses $1.5 million
The organization's collective investment in Girls Flag football activities in London and Dublin now exceeds $1.5 million, part of a broader $3.5 million commitment the Jets have made to girls flag football since 2011. The Jets launched the UK's first NFL-supported girls flag football league in 2023 with 12 teams, a figure set to reach 40 teams for the upcoming Spring season.
Palace for Life CEO cites Olympic debut as growth driver
Palace for Life CEO Mike Summers noted the sport's non-contact format could draw girls who might otherwise be missed by traditional soccer programs, pointing to flag football's upcoming debut at the LA 2028 Olympic Games as a factor driving interest. The sport counts over 20 million players across 100 countries, with the NFL and the International Federation of American Football backing its Olympic inclusion.
The Jets expect to support more than 250 girls flag football programs and over 7,000 participants domestically and internationally in 2025.