St. Louis High School capped off a remarkable run by being crowned Ireland’s top NFL flag football team after winning the 2026 Jets NFL Girls Flag league final.
The Rathmines school secured the title with a 20-6 win over Adamstown Community College during Championship Day in the National Sports Arena in Blanchardstown on Friday, May 8.
Following a successful first year, the 2026 edition of the Jets NFL Girls Flag league in Ireland was launched at the Sport Ireland Campus on Thursday, March 5.
Year two saw participation double, with 160 girls aged between 12 and 15 from 16 schools across Dublin taking part.
The initiative aims to increase girls’ access to and participation in sport through NFL Flag, the official flag football programme of the NFL.
With a fun, fast-paced and accessible format, it helps participants develop skills in strategy, communication and resilience as they work together to execute plays and compete as a team.
The top six schools in the standings qualified for Championship Day following several weeks of league fixtures.
Alongside the team honours, individual performances were also recognised.
Holly from St. Louis was named Offensive MVP, while Andi from Adamstown Community College received the Defensive MVP award.
Championship Day also featured a ‘Tailgate Zone’ with activities including a Jets-branded pick-and-mix stand, claw machine, cornhole, giant Jenga and a ‘Get Ready’ station for players and supporters.
“Firstly, a huge congratulations to St. Louis High School. They, alongside all our competing schools, have exemplified teamwork and spirit from game one,” said Jesse Linder, Vice President of Community Relations with the New York Jets.
“As an organisation, the Jets firmly believe in the positive power and impact this sport can have on all, and we have been so pleased to see such strong growth in our second year in Ireland.
“Thank you to everyone who made the launch event, league fixtures and championship day possible. Planning is already underway for 2027!”
The Jets said they remain committed to increasing girls’ participation in sport and supported more than 6,000 participants across over 250 girls’ flag football programmes in 2025, both in the United States and internationally.
Investment in the Jets NFL Girls Flag leagues in Dublin and London has now surpassed $1 million.
Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with more than 20 million players across 100 countries. The sport will also make its Olympic debut at the LA 2028 Games.