Chicago Bears Return to the UK for Fourth Year of Community-Focused American Football Programmes
Since 2022, over 10,000 young people reached across 11 regions, from Exeter to Edinburgh
2025 will see the Bears continue to focus on access, inclusion, and equity in the UK with investment in youth development
Current Bears running back Roschon Johnson will be in UK to kick off the new season of community programmes in the UK
LONDON, March 2025 – Legendary NFL franchise the Chicago Bears will return to the UK in 2025, continuing their commitment to growing American football through a diverse programme of grassroots and community initiatives taking place across the country.
Now in their fourth year of activity in the UK, the Bears’ initiatives aim to make the sport more accessible and inclusive, offering young people from all backgrounds the chance to experience American football, many for the first time. By the end of this year’s programme, the Bears will have helped introduce the sport to over 10,000 young people aged 7-21 since launching in 2022.
The 2025 schedule will run from 28 March through to 13 June, spanning multiple locations across the UK. In total, the Bears will have connected with 11 communities since 2022, from Edinburgh to Exeter, a significant milestone as part of their long-term investment in the UK market under the NFL’s Global Markets Program.
The 2025 activity kicks off in March with Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson joining the opening event in Manchester to help launch the Bears NFL Girls Flag league season alongside NFL Global Flag Football ambassador and Team GB captain Phoebe Schecter. Johnson, known for his commitment to community engagement and giving back in Chicago, will meet players and coaches and share his experiences in flag football and why the sport is so important to him.
Following the event in Manchester, Johnson will then be kicking off the first ever Bears NFL Girls Flag league in Birmingham on 31 March, before heading to London to see the third season of the league start in the capital.
Roschon Johnson, Running Back for the Chicago Bears: “I’m excited to be part of the Bears’ work here in the UK and help kick off this year’s Girls Flag Football season. Growing up, football gave me so many opportunities, not just on the field, but in life, and it’s great to see the Bears creating those same experiences for young people over here. Programmes like this open doors, build confidence, and bring communities together. I’m proud to represent the team and help grow the game in new places.”
The Chicago Bears’ work in the UK mirrors their community values in Illinois - prioritising access, inclusion, and equity in youth sport. Programmes are designed to be free, with a focus on breaking down barriers to participation and growing the Bears Family in the UK.
Bears NFL Girls Flag leagues: Flag football is the non-contact format of American football that empowers young athletes around the world. The Bears Girls Flag leagues are targeted at girls ages 12-14 in Birmingham, London and Manchester. Participants plan and execute winning plays, building life-long psychological skills in strategy, communication, and resilience, and can contribute to improved mental wellbeing.
Mini Monsters: 90-minute clinics provide free youth coaching for boys and girls between the ages of 7-12, regardless of experience or physical capability. Designed to introduce younger children to the game in a fun and accessible environment, teaching teamwork, physical activity, and healthy habits.
“As we enter our third year in the UK, our focus remains on building meaningful connections and inspiring the next generation of athletes and fans,” said Tanya Dreesen, Chicago Bears SVP of Strategy and Global Affairs. "These programs are about more than just football, they are about creating opportunities, fostering community and sharing the values that define us as an organization. Whether through our Mini Monsters youth clinics or growing girls flag football in the UK, we are committed to making an impact at the grassroots level and strengthening our ties with international fans.”
2025 Chicago Bears UK events:
Event
Location
Date
Girls Flag League Launch
Manchester
28/03/2025
Girls Flag League Launch
Wolverhampton
31/03/2025
Girls Flag League Launch
London
02/04/2025
Girls Flag League Finals
London
03/06/2025
Girls Flag League Finals
Birmingham
05/06/2025
Girls Flag League Finals
Manchester
06/06/2025
Mini Monsters
Manchester
09/06/2025 & 10/06/2025
Mini Monsters
Liverpool
12/06/2025 & 13/06/2025