Jaguars Survey Highlights Nfl’s Rise In UK Popularity
More than half a million people in the UK are set to tune in to Super Bowl LIII, according to new data released by the Jacksonville Jaguars and partner LGT Vestra US ahead of the weekend’s meeting between the New England Patriots and the LA Rams.
The Jags’ new survey also revealed that one in three 16-24 year olds in the UK has played or would like to play American Football, with more than half saying they’d feel more likely to participate if the UK had an NFL franchise of its own.
The survey was commissioned in support of the launch of the 2019 Gridiron Grant, a scheme offering one male and one female British student a full university scholarship.
The Jags, which positions itself as the UK’s “home NFL franchise,” awarded its first pair of Gridiron Grants, co-funded by partner LGT Vestra US, in 2018.
The initiative is part of a range of projects, including the JagTag community sport programme, which aim to demonstate the Jags’ deep commitment to the UK market.
The LGT Vestra US Gridiron Grant rewards individuals who participate in American football within their community, seeking to provide more individuals with the opportunity to consider further education as an option, as well as promote American football as a recognised sport within the UK.
The scheme has been developed in response to the growing number of youngsters participating in American football in the UK, with applications for the Grant open for three months until Friday 26th April.
Hussain Naqi, Vice President of International Development for the Jacksonville Jaguars, commented: “The Jaguars aim is to make American football accessible to fans of all ages across the UK by providing year-round initiatives.
“Both our JagTag and LGT Vestra US Gridiron Grant programmes are designed to not only to create opportunities for kids to play the sport but also to use the sport to inspire them.
“It’s so exciting to be a part of such a rapidly growing sport within the UK and is great to see the work we’re doing having such a positive impact.”
The Jacksonville Jaguars, owned by Shahid Khan, first played in the UK in 2013 and have committed to play at least one game every year in the UK until 2020.A record-breaking 85,870 spectators turned out to watch the Jaguars take on the Philadelphia Eagles at Wembley Stadium in October 2018.
Photo: © Getty Images
