The Minnesota Vikings brought American football to schoolchildren in Edinburgh as the franchise continues to grow its footprint in the Scottish capital.
Held at Stewart’s Melville Rugby Club, their first-ever NFL Flag football clinic in the city gave 100 pupils from local schools and community groups the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of flag football through coaching, skills sessions and practical activities led by the Vikings’ community coaches.
The participants also had the chance to meet legendary former Vikings wide receiver Jake Reed, who shared his experience of playing in the NFL with the young participants and provided them with coaching tips.
Reed was selected by the Vikings in the third round of the 1991 NFL Draft and formed part of the franchise’s much celebrated 1990s receiving trio, ‘Three Deep’, alongside Cris Carter and Randy Moss.
Jake Reed, former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, said: “It’s great to see young people getting the chance to learn some new skills and enjoy being part of a team.
“When you’re introducing children to a sport, the most important thing is that they have fun, give it a go and leave wanting to play again. Hopefully, today has given some of these kids a real interest in flag football and the Minnesota Vikings.”
Flag football, the non-contact version of the sport, is now played by more than 120,000 young people across the UK and will make its debut at the LA28 Olympics.
Joe Rush, Minnesota Vikings Director of Youth Football, said: “Giving young people the opportunity to experience flag football first-hand is an important part of growing the game.
“Clinics like this allow children to develop new skills, work together and discover a sport they might not otherwise have had the chance to try. It’s been great to bring that opportunity to Edinburgh and introduce more young people to our amazing sport.”
The visit also builds on the Vikings’ wider engagement with the UK and their exploration of the cultural connections between Minnesota and Scotland.
Last year, wide receiver coach Keenan McCardell visited Edinburgh, taking in landmarks including Edinburgh Castle and experiencing typical Scottish traditions.
Keisha Wyatt, Minnesota Vikings Director of International Marketing, said: “We know the Vikings have passionate fans across the UK, but especially here in Scotland, and it’s always special to see that purple pride wherever we go.
“Visits like this are about giving something back to those communities, connecting with the next generation and introducing more young people to the game.
“Scotland has a fantastic sporting culture, and we’re proud to continue building our relationship with fans here, both on and off the field.”
The Vikings are committed to growing flag football participation both at home in the state of Minnesota and in the UK where they have marketing rights through the NFL’s Global Markets Program, which provides the franchise with a platform to develop deeper connections with fans, grow participation and create new opportunities for supporters across the country to engage with the team.
Since 2022 the team has engaged over 1,500 young people in flag football in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester and London.
