On Sunday March 12, Jaguars star Andre Cisco visited Blackheath Rugby Club, South East London, to participate in multiple sessions for young people organised by Flexwork Sports and Gridiron Imports, and supported by the Jaguars UK.
The event started with around 30 participants in the younger age group of 8 to 12 years, having an introduction to JagTag Flag Football, with drills, skills and mini games. JagTag is the Jaguars flagship community programme, which is played at after school clubs and community hubs across the Country. It is a simplified version of American football and is totally inclusive for all age groups, genders, and abilities.
An early evening session saw over 70 participants aged 13-17 years from JagTag Xtra Time and BAFA clubs being put through their paces, assessed, and evaluated on several positional drills and skills by US coaches, with the ultimate aim of improving overall game knowledge, making coaching contacts and potentially gaining entry to their US high schools – a pathway that Jaguars UK support.
Jaguars UK were happy to support Flexwork Sports and Gridiron Imports, which specialise in pathways for UK players the US High School/University programmes, and with JagTag Xtra Time having around 300 participants per year in London there is not a better synergy to showcase our UK talent.
Throughout the event Andre Cisco was on hand to coach and participate in the session, sign shirts and footballs and ensure that the young people were given a memory they won’t forget.
Speaking at the event Andre said: ‘This trip is about working with the kids, having some influence, and taking football worldwide. I love coming here, London’s one of my favourite games of the year and I always mark it on my calendar.
‘We had a big year, and I am happy to be here – hopefully run into you guys when I get to London City centre. Go Jags!’
