Earlier this year, Bolton School hosted the launch of the first ever Chicago Bears’ Greater Manchester Girls’ Flag Football League. Over 100 girls in Years 9 and 10 from schools in the North West attended this high-profile event, held on International Women’s Day. Through presentations and eight skills sessions, coaches from Team GB, Salford Scorpions and Manchester Titans introduced the sport: a non-contact version of American football and a new Olympic event for 2028.
The first match day of the League took place in April. Ten teams gathered in the Girls’ Division Gym to collect their Chicago Bears kit before enjoying an inspirational welcome from Shaun Gayle, a former NFL professional who was on the Chicago Bears’ Superbowl-winning team in 1985, and NFL Sky Sports Analyst and European Championship winning Great Britain Captain Phoebe Schecter.
Teams then made their way to the Leverhulme Pavilion for a series of fast-paced and intense 20-minute matches.
Ahead of their games, the Bolton team made the most of coaching opportunities with experienced Team GB players. They also spent a few minutes talking to Shaun Gayle himself – an exciting moment for both the girls and their coaches, Mr Williams and Mr Winrow!
The Bolton School team was one of the youngest taking part, made up entirely of Year 9s with only three weeks of training under their belts! However, Phoebe Masheter, captain of the Girls’ Division ‘Lightning Bolts’ team, said on the day: ‘I think it’s fun to play against people who are older, because it motivates you to try harder. It’s cool to learn a new sport with friends and people you know. It’s easy to find what position you enjoy, because everyone is new to the game and starting from the basics.’
