Jaguars Host Jagtag Event

NFL franchise, the Jacksonville Jaguars, hosted hundreds of people at Hackney’s London Fields this weekend to take part in ‘JagTag Live’ – a special event to launch its new brand of touch American football for the UK.

The team will return to Wembley Stadium on 25th October, as part of a yearly commitment to the UK that sees them playing one home game annually at the London venue.

JagTag is a simplified version of touch American football, designed to be easy to play for people of all ages and ability.

The weekend’s event at London Fields included free coaching sessions with NFL experts to walk participants through their first ever game of JagTag. There was also a ‘Myth Busting’ zone for those new to the sport, who were offered hints and tips to help them grasp the basics.

Speaking on his visit to the UK last month, Jacksonville Jaguars player Sergio Brown recalled how he had fallen in love with the game through touch football and insisted JagTag could be the perfect way for the game to grow in the UK.

“I think it’s awesome that the Jaguars have taken the time to create JagTag, a version of American Football for the UK that can be played by everyone,” he said. “I’ve played football since I was a kid and touch was how I got introduced to the game so I have a lot of fond memories of it – it’s where my journey began.

“You can just play it in the backyard or in the park with your friends and family and it’s so easy to play.  All you need is a ball and a few people and you’ve got yourselves a game. JagTag will give people a great introduction as well as getting people active.”

The Jaguars will also be releasing their own free online ‘JagTag Playbook’ which will act as a simple guide with all the information needed to learn the game as well as tips from current coaching staff and players on the team.

Laura Oakes, Jacksonville Jaguars UK director, added: “The Jaguars have received great support from people in the UK since we made a commitment to play here every year.  However, our commitment to the UK runs deeper than playing our Wembley home game.  We want to help people enjoy the sport and JagTag offers a chance for people to understand the game of American football in a fun, easy-to-understand and accessible way.”