As physical activity among children continues to decline, a game-changing initiative is ensuring students across the country have the chance to move, play, and thrive. The National Football League Foundation (NFL Foundation), GENYOUth, and NFL FLAG are marking the 12th year of the NFL FLAG-In-School program by opening national applications for the 2025-2026 school year. Educators and school-based organizations can apply for free flag football kits to integrate into their physical education curriculum or extracurricular programs, with applications closing on May 13, 2025.

Thanks to a renewed multi-year commitment from the NFL Foundation, GENYOUth will continue distributing kits annually through the 2027-2028 school year, ensuring students of all skill levels, genders, and abilities have access to inclusive, healthful play. Since 2014, the program has provided 40,000 kits, impacting an estimated 17 million students, fostering an active and healthy lifestyle.

NFL FLAG-In-School is a turnkey solution for schools, reinforcing the NFL’s PLAY 60 initiative, which prioritizes daily physical activity for youth. The program has had a notable impact on female participation, with schools reporting a rise in all-girls afterschool flag football programs and growing recognition of girls’ flag football as a varsity high school sport.

With flag football set to debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, its surging popularity is undeniable. NFL FLAG-In-School is playing a pivotal role in bringing this sport to young athletes, making it more accessible and enjoyable than ever.

“With fewer than 1 in 4 school-aged children meeting daily activity guidelines, the need for engaging and inclusive solutions is crucial,” said Ann Marie Krautheim, CEO of GENYOUth. “NFL FLAG-In-School encourages a love of sport while fostering youth health and well-being.”

“Daily physical activity delivers essential health, social, and emotional benefits,” added Anna Isaacson, NFL Senior VP of Social Responsibility. “The NFL Foundation is incredibly proud of the impact of NFL FLAG-In-School and our partnership with GENYOUth. And best of all, kids are having fun!”

By providing students with resources, NFL FLAG-In-School builds lifelong connections to the sport, encouraging participation at the varsity, collegiate, and even professional levels. Izell Reese, Executive Director of NFL FLAG, emphasized the program’s accessibility, stating: “We’re creating opportunities for all youth, including the next generation of athletes.”

For educators looking to bring NFL FLAG-In-School to their students, applications for free kits and resources can be found at GENYOUth FLAG.