Belfast girls get a taste of the NFL with JagTag

An east Belfast school has set its sights set stateside in an effort to encourage girls to try different sports.

Pupils at Grosvenor Grammar School have been learning how to play JagTag - a simplified version of American football backed by NFL side Jacksonville Jaguars.

Iwinosa, 12, told BBC News NI she's already hooked and that the lessons have changed her view of the sport.

"Before this programme I never knew much about American football, I just thought it was a bit like rugby," she said. "I learnt that there are many differences."

"I enjoy doing running a lot, I like sprinting, so the fact that a lot of running is done in the sport is really a calling for me.

"So far I'm enjoying it, and I feel like I would enjoy it in the future.

"Maybe I'll take it further."

JagTag includes the throwing, catching, running and defending of the traditional game, but not the physical contact so does not require the kit and helmets professional players use.

Eva, who is also 12 years old, had never played American football before trying it at school, but said she's having fun in the lessons.

"I'm willing to give every sport a go - this Jag Tag has just been a completely different experience because I only ever play hockey and netball."

As well as learning how to play the game, the girls have been taught how to call their own complex plays before each down.

"We've been learning all the different positions, where to run, the different places on the pitch and it's a really good experience," Eva said.

"You get to try different positions, you're using a different ball, you're meeting new people, you get to try a new experience so it's really good."

Some of the Year 11 girls at Grosvenor have even been helping to coach the younger students.

Molly, 15, is happy she got involved in a sport that is "like nothing that I would have thought of ever doing before".

"It's been mainly different positions with all different types of plays, so there's a lot to remember," she said.

"I probably like playing centre most, I think it's quite fun with the snap," Molly told BBC News NI.

"I think it's great because I've never really seen any women play American football before.

"It shows that this is another sport that you can play, it's a good alternative."

Previous research published by the Northern Ireland Executive suggested that many young women drop out of sport and physical activity as they get older.

Grosvenor PE teacher Mark McAuley said that sometimes it was a case of giving girls "something a little bit different" to try.

He had been involved in the NFL in a previous job in England and thought that the girls at Grosvenor would enjoy the Jag Tag version of the game.

"I thought that the girls here would like the alternative idea of the sport, as opposed to the traditional ones that they do here in Grosvenor," he said.

"They've really enjoyed it.

"It's a user-friendly version, it's almost a little bit like tag rugby, but with NFL rules and it's very strategic - they have a lot of plays to remember."

The school's principal, Frances Vasey, was impressed by how quickly the girls had taken to the game.

"I think it's an amazing opportunity for them," she said.

"It's a different sport, it's so unusual.

"The girls love to try something new so I think it's wonderful.

"I think it's so important to do something that's just a little bit out of the norm.

"The older girls are helping the younger pupils so it gives that added extra for them."

American football - and it's main competition, the NFL - is a sport with a huge footprint in North America. But its popularity continues to grow around the world, including in the UK and Ireland.

For years, the NFL has brought regular season games to London but, later in 2025, it'll play its first competitive fixture in Ireland.

Meanwhile, a number of Irish athletes - particularly GAA players - have set their sights on NFL success with several travelling to the United States to pursue their gridiron dreams.

Jude McAtamney became the first Irish player to feature in a competitive NFL game since 1985 when he kicked for the New York Giants in November.

Former Down Gaelic footballer Charlie Smyth, 23, swapped Newry for New Orleans after he sealed a new contract with the New Orleans Saints this year.

Similarly Ulster Rugby's young star Aaron Sexton was selected as one of 18 hopefuls from 12 countries to be put through their paces in Bradenton, Florida to pursue a career in the NFL.