Flag football continues to thrive in Ireland where the Irish government, the NFL and IFAF member federation American Football Ireland (AFI) are working together to develop a national structure for the sport to deliver sustained participation growth.
Building on a commitment from the agreement that brought an NFL regular season game to Ireland in 2025, a joint funding approach will support the continued expansion of flag football across Ireland. The government will provide funding via Sport Ireland of up to €200,000 per annum during the next three years, with a particular focus on supporting the capacity growth of American Football Ireland, to match NFL investment in growing the game.
Aligning with the aims of the National Sports Policy to increase participation in sport, this approach will create additional opportunities for physical activity, for being part of a team, and for playing an enjoyable, entertaining sport which is growing at a remarkable rate globally. The partnership also serves as a shining example of how IFAF member federations can work together with government agencies to help deliver the sport on a national level.
The NFL delivered flag starter kits to more than 900 post-primary schools on the island of Ireland prior to the September 2025 game between the Steelers and Vikings and NFL Flag is now active in 100 schools across the nation. This includes 45 primary and 55 post-primary schools, with more than 4,500 boys and girls now playing regularly. The programme aims to expand participation to more than 50,000 young people by 2027.
Building on this momentum, the Government and the NFL’s joint match funding initiative will help provide support to American Football Ireland, alongside coaching resources and programme support to accelerate this grassroots growth.
Welcoming the collaboration on Flag Football, AFI president Alan Lomasney said: “AFI is looking forward to working with the NFL to grow Flag Football in Ireland and appreciates the support of Government to achieve this.
“Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with over 20 million players across 100 countries, where women and girls are driving the fastest growth. The sport will officially be included in the LA 2028 Olympic Games programme, led by the efforts of the International Federation of American Football and supported by the NFL.”
Minister for Culture Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD added: “I’m delighted to announce this multi-year strategic collaboration with the NFL, Sport Ireland and American Football Ireland for the development of flag football in Ireland. Flag Football is an exciting sport, growing at a phenomenal rate globally. This partnership will create lots of opportunities for participation in sport around the country and continue to strengthen our relationship with the NFL.”
NFL U.K. & Ireland General Manager, Henry Hodgson, said: “We are proud of the economic contribution this game delivered and excited to work with Sport Ireland and American Football Ireland to support the continued growth of flag football.
“The combined economic impact and legacy investment underline the broader value of hosting the 2025 NFL Dublin Game, delivering immediate financial returns while supporting long-term sports development across Ireland.”
