'Every player was at their best': Girls' team crowned national NFL champions

A girls' team with players from two Accrington high schools have become American flag football national champions.

The Hyndburn All-Stars under 15s comprise of pupils from Mount Carmel and Hyndburn Academy and were crowned NFL Flag Girls UK Champions.

Flag football is a non-contact version of American football, where tackles are made by pulling flags, similarly to tag or touch rugby.

From the outset of the meet in Loughborough, the team showed their dominance by topping Group Two, which included last year's Mixed National Champions, St Ivo's Academy.

Victories against Midlands champions Rawlett School, a rematch with William Perkins, and a showdown with undefeated Cambridgeshire champions, Hinchingbrooke, followed.

'Every player was at their best' (Image: Mount Carmel)

Throughout the tournament, the team conceded just one touchdown.

The performance has now secured the girls an invitation to the NFL London Games in October.

Their reward is an opportunity to witness a professional NFL match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Manager and trainer, Mr Barratt, said: “Every single player was on their best form all day despite the blazing heat, and they all contributed massively to the team's success.

"We were also supported in the stands by representatives from our local U11/U14 team Burnley Tornados, and our local U17/Adult team Lancashire Bombers, including NFL Academy quarterback (and Hyndburn native) Bobby Bridges.”

Praising the team's efforts, Mr Barratt added: "MC Saints captains Mia and Faye stepped up and led by example with season-best performances, Hyndburn's Izzy was a force to be reckoned with and led the team in scoring on both sides of the ball, and Mount Carmel's Grace had a breakout performance at linebacker in her first tournament as a full-time starter."

Mr Barratt thanked the parents, staff, supporters, and the Year eight mixed team for contributing to the team's successful season.