SCHOOLS are being invited to sign up to a popular national sports scheme.

The Leader reported in February how NFL flag football training courses were held at Deeside and Holywell Leisure Centres.

Delivered by NFL UK, the scheme aimed to support schools to deliver flag football sessions in curriculum and extracurricular sessions, as well as enabling sports development coaches with Aura Leisure and Libraries to be able to deliver on their community programmes.

The hugely successful initiative, presented by Subway, is now entering its second official season and is expanding both its teacher training and ambassador programme in response to popular demand.

It has already reached more than 10,000 children across the UK and schools now have until March 29 to sign up and show their potential for playing American Football.

NFL research showcased that after the first year of the programme it has led to a 73 per cent increase in British schoolchildren exceeding the British Heart Foundation's (BHF) recommended guidelines of exercising for more than one-hour every day.

Jason Brisbane, NFL UK head of community, said: “NFL Flag presented by Subway had a brilliant first year in the UK and it’s fantastic to see the progress as we expand the programme in its second year.

"The game is now played by children on pitches across the UK – from North Wales all the way to the Isle of Wight.

“It's brilliant to see that NFL Flag has had such a significant impact on children's exercise. It's so important to exercise for an hour every day and with the NFL Flag programme expanding into several new regions, we expect even more kids to become healthier and fitter.

“I’m particularly excited about the expansion of our unique and innovative ambassador programme. To have university American Football coaches volunteering their own time to teach young kids values of respect, integrity, responsibility and resilience is so important and valuable and I can’t wait to see the impact in the years to come."

Colin Hughes, Subway country director UK and Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to see the NFL Flag programme continue to grow and reach school children across the UK and Ireland.

"We want children to enjoy the benefits of the NFL and group sport and hope as many schools as possible sign up to the scheme.”

For more information about participating in the programme this academic year, register for NFL Flag presented by Subway and arrange a training date that is no later than March 29 2019.

Register at https://nflflag.com/register