New York Jets host first flag football games between US and UK militaries

The NFL's New York Jets have hosted a series of friendly flag football games between members of the US Air Force and all three services of the British military.

The matches took place at RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk – the US Air Forces in Europe's only fourth and fifth-generation fighter wing base.

The fixtures gave the UK personnel and airmen from the tri-base area the chance to compete, with the New York Jets and Armed Forces Flag Football Association providing a championship belt, jerseys for both teams, game balls and flags.

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Flag football is a non-contact version of American football - similar to tag rugby.

Ethan Harris, 48th Fighter Wing public affairs community relations chief, said it was "awesome" to have the British personnel "play a game that is so culturally significant to Americans".

He added that the games were filled with intensity, but weren't about winning or losing – the ultimate goal was camaraderie and strengthening bonds between the two nations.

After positive feedback from the inaugural game, there are plans to make the fixture a regular event.