New York Jets has announced today that they are hosting the first annual UK Armed Forces (UKAF) flag football match against the US Visiting Forces (USVS) taking place at Royal Air Force Lakenheath on May 17th. The game is part of the New York Jets kick off to the NFL’s yearly ‘Salute to Service’ campaign.
The game will showcase the power of camaraderie and competition as the first annual UKAF vs USVS flag football game brings together the best of both nations on the field for an electrifying display of skill and sportsmanship to 1,200 people in attendance.
There will be a gameday feel with a tailgate party hosted by the United Service Organization with games, food and giveaways to kick off the event followed by national anthems, a half time show and an after party located at The Liberty Club.
The Jets will support the event with jerseys, merchandise and equipment as well as recruiting two former players to coach the teams, Tony Richardson and Erik Coleman. Richardson is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s greatest fullbacks and hosts the Special Olympics yearly ‘Punt, Pass & Kick’ competition. Since retiring, Coleman has worked with a mentoring programme called My Brother’s Keeper as well as The Thrive Network which is a mental health charity.
Steven Castleton, the Jets Military Liaison and Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (Ret.) had this to say:
“This will be the 36th Flag Football game the Jets have sponsored for the Armed Forces. In prior years, they have also sponsored multi-service flag football games on bases in Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkey, Japan, Kuwait, Djibouti, Germany, United Kingdom and in the US, some in which the U.S. Forces faced foreign opponents.”
The game between UKAF and USVF is the latest activity as part of the New York Jets expansion into the UK market as part of the NFL’s ‘Global Markets Program’ that awards teams the rights to expand brand activities internationally to build brand awareness and gain fandom.
To keep updated on the latest New York Jets news and to hear about their upcoming activities, please visit, www.newyorkjets.com and www.nyjetsinuk.com. Follow them on social platforms, @NYJets and @NYJetsinUK on X and @nyjets and @newyorkjetsinuk on Instagram.
