The San Francisco 49ers have announced the launch of NextGen Flag Football in the United Arab Emirates, marking the first time the sport will be introduced into school curricula across the country. The initiative is delivered in partnership with GEMS Education, the UAE’s largest network of schools, which serves more than 125,000 students nationwide.
The programme began rolling out in selected GEMS schools earlier this year, with plans for further expansion from January 2026.
Building Skills Through Sport
NextGen Flag Football is designed to integrate seamlessly into physical education lessons. Participating schools will receive all essential equipment, age-appropriate curriculum resources, and structured coaching support. Teachers will also benefit from ongoing in-person training delivered by representatives from the San Francisco 49ers throughout the academic year.
Each season will conclude with a flag football tournament, bringing together participating schools to showcase the skills students have developed and to promote teamwork and healthy competition.
Successful Pilot Clinics Set the Foundation
The launch follows a series of successful flag football clinics held at GEMS schools earlier this year, including the first NFL team-hosted event of its kind in the UAE at GEMS World Academy Senior School. During these sessions, more than two dozen physical education teachers received training in the fundamentals of coaching flag football, followed by hands-on student workshops.
Students took part in NFL-style drills, introductory flag tag games, and were joined by San Francisco 49ers mascot Sourdough Sam, adding excitement and energy to the experience.
Justin Prettyman, Executive Director of the 49ers Foundation said.
“Seeing the enthusiasm from students and teachers ever since the first clinic at GEMS has been truly inspiring. We’re thrilled to launch NextGen Flag Football and to work with GEMS going forward. By introducing students to the fundamentals of flag football, we’re not just teaching a game; we’re helping them develop teamwork, confidence, and leadership skills that will last a lifetime.”
A Holistic Approach to Education
Jay Varkey, Deputy CEO, GEMS Education, highlighted the wider impact of the partnership.
“At GEMS Education, we are committed to providing our students with a truly holistic education that nurtures not only academic excellence but also character, teamwork, and resilience. Our collaboration with the San Francisco 49ers reflects this vision, bringing world-class sporting expertise into our schools through the NextGen Flag Football program. This will offer our students unique and exciting opportunities to learn, lead, and grow through sport, reinforcing our belief that physical education is a vital part of developing well-rounded, future-ready young people.”
Part of the NFL’s Global Vision
The introduction of NextGen Flag Football in the UAE reflects the San Francisco 49ers’ growing international presence under the NFL’s Global Markets Program. In March, the team was awarded activation rights in the UAE, building on established growth in the United Kingdom and Mexico, where fanbases have expanded by more than 50 percent in each market.
Since 2021, the 49ers have delivered more than 50 community events across international regions, using sport as a tool to engage, inspire, and connect with young people worldwide.
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Further Reading:
- GEMS Education Unveils GEMS School Management – A Turnkey Solution to Build World-Class Schools Globally
- Reimagining Education: Why The GEMS School of Research and Innovation Is So Unique