BAFA partnership backs coaches and officials ahead of Wembley game

Training support across contact and flag football

According to BAFA, the Union Jack Classic Gameday Workforce Fund subsidised more than 750 coaching and officiating qualifications in 2026. Launched in February, the fund supported coaching courses and officials’ training across contact and flag football.

BAFA said the initiative was intended to widen access to the sport’s workforce and support the recruitment, development and retention of coaches and officials.

Clinics and equipment for officials

Online clinics connected more than 400 British coaches with American college football coaches from Kansas University and Arizona State University, BAFA reported.

The Union Jack Classic also worked with BAFA and the British American Football Referees’ Association (BAFRA) to fund equipment for 20 new referees beginning officiating in the UK.

A first title sponsor in more than 30 years

BAFA said the Union Jack Classic became the British American Football National Leagues’ first title sponsor in more than 30 years. The association described the partnership as an investment in workforce development and the sport’s continued growth across the UK.