While the Jets prepare for Sunday’s home game against the Browns, the club made news away from the field on October 2 with a girls flag football expansion in South London.
The Jets and Palace for Life are bringing girls flag football to eight more schools in South London, backed by a $100,000 Betty Wold Johnson Foundation grant. The league aims to reach more than 40 schools and 450-plus girls by spring 2027.
What is the Jets and Palace for Life partnership?
It is a one-year program that introduces girls in South London schools to flag football, a non-contact version of American football. Palace for Life CEO Mike Summers described it as a way to work with the Jets “over the next year to introduce girls across south London schools to flag football, a non-contact version of American football.”
The announcement fits a pattern of off-field club moves we have followed, including the Jets marking 25 years since 9/11 at Ground Zero. It also adds a new chapter to the franchise’s international footprint that dates well beyond this season, as laid out in our New York Jets history timeline.
Which schools are involved, and what do they get?
Eight schools in the Crystal Palace area are in the first group: Orchard Park, Langley Park School for Girls, Sedgehill Academy, Orion Eden Park, Hayes Park, Carshalton High School for Girls, Orion Ravensbourne and La Retraite. Ninety representatives from those eight schools attended an initial clinic at Crystal Palace Academy.
Each school receives uniforms, practice jerseys, flag football equipment and travel support for participants. The funding comes from a $100,000 grant from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, which Summers thanked directly: “A huge thank you to the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation for making this possible.”
How big could the league get?
The club’s release says the league will grow to “over 40 schools and 450+ girls” by spring 2027, when the wider league kicks off. It also says the Jets’ collective investment in girls flag football in London and Dublin now surpasses $1.5 million.
What did Woody Johnson and Palace for Life say?
Jets Chairman Woody Johnson said, “Sports have the power to bring people together, build confidence and create opportunities for young people.” He added, “We’ve seen how quickly girls flag football has grown, and we’re proud to continue expanding our efforts internationally and creating new pathways for young women in South London and beyond.”
Summers pointed to the sport’s timing: “With its Olympic debut at LA 2028 ahead, it’s an exciting time to get involved.”
Why does this matter for Jets fans?
It is not a roster story, and it will not change anything on Sunday. It does show where the organization is putting resources while the team sits at 1-3. For everything that does touch the field this week, our weekly round-up and the Jets games hub keep the schedule, preview and recap coverage in one place.
Frequently asked questions
What did the Jets announce with Palace for Life?
The Jets and Palace for Life announced a partnership to bring girls flag football to eight new schools in the Crystal Palace area of South London, supported by a $100,000 grant from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation.
How many schools and players are involved?
Eight schools are joining now. The league is set to grow to over 40 schools and 450-plus girls by spring 2027, according to the club’s release.
Which schools are taking part first?
Orchard Park, Langley Park School for Girls, Sedgehill Academy, Orion Eden Park, Hayes Park, Carshalton High School for Girls, Orion Ravensbourne and La Retraite.
What does each school receive?
Each school receives uniforms, practice jerseys, flag football equipment and travel support for participants.
How much have the Jets invested in girls flag football abroad?
The club says its collective investment in girls flag football in London and Dublin now surpasses $1.5 million.
Does this affect the Jets’ on-field schedule?
No. The Jets still host the Browns on Sunday, October 11 at 1:00 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium. This is a community initiative and does not change the schedule.