Key Takeaways
- The San Francisco 49ers launched NextGen Flag Football in UAE schools, marking the first integration of flag football into the country’s school curricula
- GEMS Education, serving 125,000 students across the UAE’s largest school network, is implementing the program with gear, curriculum resources, and coaching support
- The 49ers trained more than two dozen physical education teachers during clinics at GEMS schools earlier in 2024, including the first NFL team-hosted event of its kind in the UAE
- The program culminates in an annual flag football tournament bringing participating schools together for competition
- The launch follows the 49ers’ March 2024 activation rights in the UAE under the NFL’s Global Markets Program, adding to existing operations in the UK and Mexico where local fanbases have grown by more than 50 percent in each country
Expanding Football Access in UAE Schools
The San Francisco 49ers and GEMS Education launched NextGen Flag Football in select UAE schools earlier in 2024, with additional schools joining in January 2026. The program provides participating schools with essential equipment, curriculum materials, and coaching resources designed to help physical education teachers integrate flag football into their existing lesson plans.
Teachers receive in-person training from 49ers representatives throughout the academic year to support student development. Each season ends with a tournament that brings participating schools together to compete and showcase the skills students learn during the program.
Building on 2024 Training Events
The program launch follows several flag football clinics the 49ers conducted at GEMS schools earlier this year. At GEMS World Academy Senior School, the 49ers hosted the first event of its kind by an NFL team in the UAE. During these sessions, 49ers representatives trained more than two dozen physical education teachers in flag football coaching fundamentals before leading hands-on student sessions.
Students participated in NFL-style practice drills and introductory flag tag games. The 49ers mascot, Sourdough Sam, appeared at events to support student participants.
“Seeing the enthusiasm from students and teachers ever since the first clinic at GEMS has been truly inspiring,” said Justin Prettyman, Executive Director of the 49ers Foundation. “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.”
GEMS Education’s Approach to Athletic Development
GEMS Education, the UAE’s largest school network, serves 125,000 students across its facilities. The network emphasizes physical education as part of its curriculum approach.
“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,” said Jay Varkey, Deputy CEO of GEMS Education. “Our collaboration with the San Francisco 49ers reflects this vision, bringing world-class sporting expertise into our schools through the NextGen Flag Football program.”
Connecting to Global Markets Strategy
The NextGen Flag Football launch aligns with the 49ers’ international operations under the NFL’s Global Markets Program. In March 2024, the team received activation rights in the UAE, expanding beyond its existing presence in the United Kingdom and Mexico.
The 49ers have hosted more than 50 community events across these international markets since 2021. In both the UK and Mexico, local fanbases have grown by more than 50 percent. The team uses youth sports programming as a platform to connect with international audiences.
Looking Ahead
The program’s January 2026 expansion to additional GEMS schools will test the curriculum’s scalability within the UAE education system. The tournament format provides a competitive outlet for students while giving schools a measurable endpoint for each season’s instruction.
The 49ers’ UAE activation creates a framework for ongoing football development activities in the region, building on the initial teacher training and student participation established during 2024. The partnership positions GEMS Education as the primary delivery vehicle for NFL flag football programming in the UAE school system.
via: 49ers
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