SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Today, the San Francisco 49ers announced the launch of NextGen Flag Football, a ground-breaking initiative to introduce flag football into school curricula in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the first time. The program is launching in collaboration with GEMS Education, the largest network of schools in the country, serving 125,000 students. The program began rolling out in select GEMS schools earlier this year, with plans for additional schools to join the program in January 2026.
The NextGen Flag Football program will equip participating schools with all essential gear, tailored curriculum resources, and coaching support, empowering teachers to seamlessly integrate flag football into their physical education lessons. To support the students' continued growth, the 49ers will provide ongoing in-person training throughout the academic year. At the end of each season, the program will culminate in a flag football tournament, bringing together participating schools to compete and demonstrate the skills developed in their classes.
The launch followsseveral successful 49ers flag football clinicsat GEMS schools earlier this year, including the first event of its kind hosted by an NFL team in the UAE at GEMS World Academy Senior School. During these events, 49ers representatives trained more than two dozen physical education teachers in the fundamentals of coaching flag football, before leading hands-on sessions with students. Participants took part in NFL-style practice drills, played introductory flag tag games, and were surprised with a special appearance from 49ers mascot, Sourdough Sam, who attended to cheer on the students.
"Seeing the enthusiasm from students and teachers ever since the first clinic at GEMS has been truly inspiring," saidJustin Prettyman, Executive Director of the 49ers Foundation. "We're thrilled to launch NextGen Flag Football and to work with GEMS going forward. By introducing students to the fundamentals of flag football, we're not just teaching a game; we're helping them develop teamwork, confidence, and leadership skills that will last a lifetime."
Jay Varkey, Deputy CEO, GEMS Education, said: "At GEMS Education, we are committed to providing our students with a truly holistic education that nurtures not only academic excellence but also character, teamwork, and resilience. Our collaboration with the San Francisco 49ers reflects this vision, bringing world-class sporting expertise into our schools through the NextGen Flag Football program. This will offer our students unique and exciting opportunities to learn, lead, and grow through sport, reinforcing our belief that physical education is a vital part of developing well-rounded, future-ready young people."
The launch of NextGen Flag Football in the UAE also reflects the 49ers expanding international footprint under the NFL's Global Markets Program. In March, the team was awarded activation rights in the UAE, building on its success in the United Kingdom and Mexico, where local fanbases have grown by more than 50 percent in each country. Since 2021, the 49ers have hosted over 50 community events across those regions, using sport as a platform to inspire and connect with youth around the world.
For more about the 49ers efforts and events in the UAE, please visit49ers.com/uaeand follow the team's Arabic social media channels onFacebook,Instagram,TikTok, andX.
Up Next
Latest Videos Channel
Brock Purdy Surprises Families with Unforgettable Holiday Gifts
Latest Videos Channel
49ers Launch Flag Football Program in the U.A.E.
Latest Videos Channel
Shanahan Provides Injury Updates on Pearsall Ahead of Colts Game
Latest Videos Channel
Jennings, Lenoir, and Pinnock Discuss Competition Ahead of Week 16 'MNF' vs. Colts
Latest Videos Channel
Brent Jones on Entering the 49ers Hall of Fame | You've Got Mail
Latest Videos Channel
Saleh, Kubiak Break Down Key Matchups, Player Development Ahead of Crucial Week
Latest Videos Channel
Jake Brendel on Motivation and Small Town Roots | Cut Different Ep. 2 | 49ers
Latest Videos Channel
Previewing 49ers vs. Colts in 'Monday Night Football' | The Saloon
Latest Videos Channel
Kittle, McCaffrey, and White Talk December Football, Playoff Push
Latest Videos Channel
Kyle Shanahan on Playoffs Opportunity, Colts Challenge
Latest Videos Channel
Forty Niner Way: "One Day at a Time" | Week 15 Recap vs. Tennessee Titans
Latest Videos Channel
Week 16 Playoff Clinching Scenarios
Latest Videos Channel
San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts Game Preview | Week 16
Latest Videos Channel
Dee Winters Breaks Down His Biggest Moments | Inside the Play
Latest Videos Channel
From the Trenches: 49ers Bring the Pressure Against the Titans
Latest Videos Channel
Mic'd Up: A Birthday Win with Kyle Shanahan
Latest Videos Channel
49ers Players Surprise William F. James Boys Ranch and FLY Youth at Levi's Stadium
Latest Videos Channel
Honoring Service Through a Special Moment with George Kittle
Latest Videos Channel
Go Inside the 49ers Locker Room Following Week 15 vs. Titans
Latest Videos Channel
Jauan Jennings Talks Two-Touchdown Start, Recaps Win vs. Tennessee Titans
Latest Videos Channel
Purdy, Kittle & McCaffrey Share Takeaways From 49ers Win vs. Titans
Latest Videos Channel
Shanahan Reflects on 49ers Week 15 Win vs. Titans
Latest Videos Channel
San Francisco 49ers Top Plays vs. Titans | Week 15
Latest Videos Channel
Brock Purdy's Best Plays from 3-TD Game vs. Titans | Week 15
Latest Videos Channel
Halftime Ceremony: Brent Jones Joins the 49ers Hall of Fame
Latest Videos Channel
Purdy on the Move: 26-Yard Scramble Sparks 49ers Drive
Latest Videos Channel
Purdy Hits Kittle for Goal-Line Score
Latest Videos Channel
Pearsall Finds Open Field for a 38-Yard Gain vs. Tennessee Titans
Latest Videos Channel
Jennings Scores Second Touchdown on 13-Yard Catch
Latest Videos Channel
Kittle Gains 24-Yards on Short Pass from Purdy vs. Tennessee Titans
Latest Videos Channel
Purdy Extends the Play, Finds Robinson for 30-Yard Gain
Latest Videos Channel
Christian McCaffrey Scores 1-Yard Rushing TD vs. Titans
Latest Videos Channel
Touchdown: Brock Purdy Throws a Dart to Jauan Jennings
Latest Videos Channel
Brent Jones Joins the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr 49ers Hall Of Fame
Latest Videos Channel
Kyle Shanahan Provides 49ers Injury, Personnel Updates Ahead of #TENvsSF
Latest Videos Channel
Kittle, Ferrell, and Pearsall Share Insights on Week 15 Matchup vs. Titans
Latest Videos Channel
Tennessee Titans vs. San Francisco 49ers Game Preview | Week 15
Latest Videos Channel
Brock Purdy: "We Have to Seize the Moment"
Latest Videos Channel
McCaffrey, McKivitz, Pieiro, Williams Discuss Titans, Team Focus, and Bye Week
Latest Videos Channel
Saleh, Kubiak Discuss Defensive Identity and Purdy's Progress
