PLEASE HELP ME GET TO THE WORLD FLAG FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS!

Welcome all! This page is dedicated to raising funds in support of my representing Team GB at the World Flag Football Championships in Finland at the end of August this year.

In 2019 my cousin and I decided we wanted to recreationally play American football and so began my journey from barely knowing the rules of the game, to finding flag football players at a friendly open scrimmage in Hyde Park, fast forward to two years of self-development during COVID as a wide receiver, proceeded by a debut breakout season with Victoria Park Panthers before joining London Smoke and contributing to their first National Division title in 2022 and a Champions Bowl 2022 finals appearance.

I was awarded London Smoke 2022 ‘Offensive Rookie of the Year’ and would go on to defend our National Division title in 2023 to become back-to-back winners. Then for the first time, I was selected to represent Team GB where I competed at the European Championships in Ireland finishing 5th overall, and rewarded Team GB ‘Offensive Most Valuable Player’.

Flag Football is one of the fastest-growing sports around the world and although it is now officially an Olympic sport, it is still heavily underfunded and the responsibility of financing falls onto the players. Playing this sport is expensive and the annual cost can easily run into the thousands.

The estimated cost is £1500 to compete at the World Championships, not including the additional costs of flights, training camps, and equipment. This is a significant amount of money to raise before the end of August and it is starting to become a financial strain, especially whilst being self-employed, training for the competition, buying equipment, and covering life expenses.

If I am lucky enough to raise this money it will all go towards flights, kit, equipment, and training.

I sincerely thank everyone and anyone who can give their support. Even if you cannot donate I will personally appreciate you sharing this post and raising awareness for Flag Football.

My story so far is a testament to all upcoming athletes, especially those from an ethnic minority, that with hard work, confidence, persistence, commitment, a willingness to learn, and the right attitude you too can one day represent and compete for Team GB.

Peace & Love,

Jamahyl Chan-Ellis/Jam Chan