MANCHESTER – The Chicago Bears have returned to Manchester in 2026, strengthening their commitment to growing American football in Greater Manchester and the Northwest with an expanded NFL Girls' Flag programme.

Returning to the city for a third consecutive year, the Bears will launch two Manchester leagues for the very first time, reflecting the huge enthusiasm from local schools, players and communities.

The expansion means even more girls across Greater Manchester will have the chance to get involved, compete and discover the sport in an inclusive and supportive environment.

The Manchester South League kicks off on 8th May at Moorside High School, while the Manchester North League begins on 11th May at Oasis Academy Oldham, with 20+ schools and 250+ girls set to participate across the city in 2026.

Now entering its fifth year in the UK, the Chicago Bears' NFL Girls Flag program continues to make American football more accessible, inclusive and engaging for young people. At the heart of that growth is Manchester, which has emerged as a leading hub for girls' flag football, with a strong focus on opening opportunities for participants from diverse and underserved communities.

Flag football, the non-contact format of the game, is empowering a new generation of athletes worldwide. The Chicago Bears' NFL Girls Flag program, aimed at girls aged 12–14, give participants the chance to design and execute plays while building essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, resilience and confidence.

The 2026 schedule is part of a wider program that will see one the of the greatest ever girls flag programme running from 8th May through to 19th June, across Manchester, London and the Midlands before culminating in the National Finals in Loughborough. Since launching in 2022, the Bears continue to connect with young people across the UK as part of the organisation's long-term commitment to growing the game internationally through the NFL's Global Markets Program.

On the day, the girls will also be joined by NFL Global Flag Football ambassador and Team GB captain Phoebe Schecter, who will be bringing the star power to the kick-off event.

Phoebe Schecter said: "I'm so pleased to continue working with the Chicago Bears on such an incredible program, especially as we return to Manchester for a third year. There's something really special happening here. The energy from the girls, schools and communities has grown every single year and you can see how much pride the city has taken in the program.

Flag is such a unique sport because it's accessible, exciting and above all fun. We want the girls involved to not only develop new skills and confidence, but also create friendships, enjoy being active and feel part of something bigger."

The Chicago Bears' work in the UK reflects the organisation's long-standing community values in Illinois, prioritising access, inclusion and equity in youth sport. All programs are designed to be free to access, helping break down barriers to participation while growing the Bears family across the UK.

Tanesha Wade, Chicago Bears EVP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Chief Impact Officer, said: "As we enter another exciting year in the UK, we are grateful for the opportunity to deepen our connection with Manchester and appreciate the way the city has embraced girls flag football. The passion from the schools, teachers, families and players is strong and has inspired our expanded presence in Manchester this year."

Our Girls Flag Leagues are about far more than football. They are about creating opportunities, building confidence and bringing communities together through sport. Seeing the Manchester program continue to grow has been a great opportunity to show our commitment as an organisation to making a meaningful grassroots impact internationally."

2026 Chicago Bears Manchester League Events:

For more information about the Chicago Bears' UK programs, visit https://www.chicagobears.com/international/.