The Chicago Bears have returned to the Midlands in 2026, strengthening their commitment to growing American football participation across the region through an expanded NFL Girls Flag programme.
As part of the organisation’s wider UK initiative, the Bears are increasing their work with schools across Birmingham and the Midlands to help more girls aged 12 and above access flag football, the non-contact format of the game, through inclusive and supportive sessions designed to encourage participation. The Midlands league begins on 13 May at University of Northampton, with nine schools, new to the programme, and over 100 girls set to participate in 2026. The continued expansion reflects growing demand from schools and communities across the region for more accessible opportunities for girls to stay engaged in sport.
Working with schools across the Midlands, the Bears are committed to ensuring underrepresented communities, particularly girls from Muslim backgrounds, have greater access to sport in environments where they feel included and able to thrive. The programme is designed to help girls feel comfortable participating in sport while building confidence, teamwork and leadership skills through positive experiences. Now entering its fifth year in the UK, the Chicago Bears’ NFL Girls Flag programme continues to make American football more accessible, inclusive and engaging for young people.
The focus of the programme’s growth in the Midlands is to create more opportunities for girls from all backgrounds and abilities to participate in sport. Flag football, the non-contact format of the game, is empowering a new generation of athletes worldwide. The Chicago Bears’ NFL Girls Flag programme gives participants the chance to design and execute plays while building essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, resilience and confidence.
The 2026 schedule is part of a wider programme taking place across London, Manchester and the Midlands, starting on 8th May, before culminating in the National Finals in Loughborough on 19th June. Since launching in 2022, the Bears have continued to connect with young people across the UK as part of the organisation’s long-term commitment to growing the game internationally through the NFL’s Global Markets Program. On May 13, the girls will also be joined by NFL Global Flag Football ambassador and Team GB captain Phoebe Schecter.
Phoebe Schecter said: “I’m so pleased to continue working with the Chicago Bears on such an incredible programme as we continue to grow flag football opportunities across the Midlands.
“Every year, you can see how much confidence and enthusiasm the girls gain from being involved. Flag is such a unique sport because it’s accessible, exciting and above all fun. Creating opportunities for girls from different backgrounds to feel comfortable participating in sport is incredibly important, and it’s amazing to see the impact programmes like this can have within local communities.” The Chicago Bears’ work in the UK reflects the organisation’s long-standing community values in Illinois, prioritising access, inclusion and equity in youth sport.
All programmes are designed to be free to access, helping break down barriers to participation while growing the Bears family across the UK. Tanesha Wade, Chicago Bears EVP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Impact Officer, said: “We are proud to continue growing our work in the Midlands and creating more opportunities for girls to engage in sports across the capital.
“Our Girls Flag leagues are about far more than football. They are about providing access to the game, building confidence and helping young people remain involved in sports through positive and inclusive experiences. Our Girls Flag leagues are about far more than football.
“They are about creating opportunities, building confidence and helping young people remain engaged in sport through positive and inclusive experiences.”
