Interview: Applications Open for NFL FLAG-in-School Program

The National Football League Foundation, GENYOUth and NFL FLAG are celebrating the 12th year of GENYOUth’s NFL FLAG-In-School program. Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 school year.

Educators and school-based community organizations can apply for a free NFL FLAG-In-School flag football kit to enhance their physical education curriculum.

NFL FLAG-In-School is a proven, turnkey solution for schools that inspires participation in physical education and physical activity, a key priority of the NFL’s PLAY 60 initiative. Its positive impact on girls is especially noteworthy – schools report increased female participation, growth of all-girls afterschool flag football programs, and rising recognition of girls’ flag football as a varsity high school sport.

Through a renewed multi-year commitment from the NFL Foundation, GENYOUth will provide NFL FLAG-In-School kits and digital resources annually to school communities through the 2027-2028 school year. With this support, the program continues to offer students of all backgrounds – regardless of gender, ability, or skill level – the opportunity to move, play, grow, and learn nutrition tips to fuel their performance. Since 2014, 40,000 kits have been distributed, reaching an estimated 17 million students, encouraging fun and healthful physical activity before, during, and after school.

As one of the fastest-growing team sports in the United States, flag football is experiencing a surge in popularity and visibility, particularly with its upcoming debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. NFL FLAG-In-School is proud to be part of the movement making this sport more accessible for youth and young athletes than ever.

Below, GENYOUth CEO Ann Marie Krautheim and High School Football America’s Jeff Fisher discuss the program that will applications through May 13, 2025.

“Daily physical activity delivers essential health, social, and emotional benefits, and it’s critical that students have access to high-quality, school-based resources,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility, and GENYOUth Board Member. “The NFL Foundation is incredibly proud of the impact of NFL FLAG-In-School and our longstanding partnership with GENYOUth through initiatives like PLAY 60 – all designed to empower youth and expand opportunities to play. And best of all, kids are having fun!

“NFL FLAG-In-School plays a vital role in introducing more kids – many for the first time – to the game in a fun, inclusive, and accessible way,” said Stephanie Kwok, Head of Flag Football at the NFL. “By providing opportunities for all students to experience the joy of football and equipping schools with the resources they need, the program helps build a lifelong connection to the sport. These early experiences can spark a passion that encourages students to continue playing at the varsity level, in college, and perhaps even professionally, especially as flag football gains momentum on the global stage.”

“NFL FLAG is making sports more accessible, helping youth build skills like teamwork, leadership, and confidence,” said Izell Reese, Executive Director of NFL FLAG. “Through our work with GENYOUth and the NFL Foundation, we’re growing flag football in schools and communities, creating opportunities for all youth, including the next generation of athletes.”

Click here to apply for NFL FLAG-in-School