The Chicago Bears have concluded their fifth consecutive UK summer tour after delivering a nationwide programme of fan engagement, youth participation and flag football development, reinforcing the club’s long-term commitment to growing American football across the United Kingdom.
Over three weeks, the Bears visited communities across the Midlands, London, Manchester, Loughborough and Liverpool, engaging young girls and boys through grassroots coaching, school competitions and public events designed to introduce more people to the sport.
One of the highlights of the tour came at Loughborough College Sports Centre, where the Chicago Bears Girls Flag Football National Finals crowned Ss John Fisher and Thomas More RC High School from Colne as the 2026 UK National Champions, in front of current Chicago Bears cornerback Josh Blackwell.
Outside of the Flag Leagues, Chicago Bears also set up flag coaching clinics in Manchester, where NFL Hall of Famer Devin Hester joined young participants to help introduce more boys and girls to flag football at Flag. The tour also included Chicago Bears clinics in Liverpool, where participants were joined by current player Josh Blackwell and Chicago Bears legend Charles “Peanut” Tillman.
Alongside the flag clinics, Blackwell was joined by Tillman for a free family fan festival at the city’s Royal Albert Dock. Thousands of visitors enjoyed appearances from Staley Da Bear, Liverpool FC legend Robbie Fowler and Mighty Red, alongside giveaways, photo opportunities and activities celebrating both American football and football in one of the city’s most iconic locations.
Across every stop of the tour, the Bears continued to expand opportunities for young people to participate in flag football. All UK community programmes remain free to attend, reflecting the organisation’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, accessibility and creating pathways into the sport.
Sarah Smith, Vice President of Fan Development & Brand Marketing for the Chicago Bears, said: “Our fifth year in the UK has been our biggest and most impactful yet. From introducing young people to flag football for the first time to celebrating national champions and connecting with thousands of fans, we’ve seen first-hand how the game continues to grow across the country.
“The passion we’ve experienced in every city reinforces our commitment to investing in these communities and creating opportunities for more young people and families to become part of the Bears family.”
Tanesha Wade, Executive Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Impact Officer for the Chicago Bears, added: “Watching these young athletes compete with confidence and enthusiasm has been incredibly inspiring. Our Girls Flag Football programme is about far more than winning games, it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence and ensuring girls know they belong in this sport.
“As we complete another successful UK tour, we’re excited to continue expanding these programmes and supporting the future growth of flag football across the country.”
Flag football is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and will make its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Through initiatives such as the Chicago Bears Girls Flag Football programme and Bears Flag clinics, the organisation continues to support the sport’s growth while creating inclusive opportunities for young people throughout the UK.
For more information about the Chicago Bears’ international initiatives, visit ChicagoBears.com/international.
