New York Jets and Fathead Launch 2025 Partnership Expanding Girls Flag Football With New 14U Travel Team

The New York Jets expand their girls’ flag football program with a new 14U travel team and a presenting sponsorship from Fathead, which will cover travel expenses and help create transformative opportunities for young female athletes nationwide.

Launching a New Chapter for Girls Flag Football

Building on years of investment in youth football, the New York Jets announced the return of Jets Flag Elite for the 2025–26 season and the launch of a new 14U travel team. This program mirrors AAU-style competition, giving elite flag football players across the Northeast a platform to compete at local, regional, and national levels.

The flagship partnership with Fathead marks the first presenting sponsorship in the program’s young history, a key effort to remove financial and logistical barriers that often prevent talented athletes from participating at the highest level. Fathead is covering all player travel costs, including flights and hotels, while the Jets continue to fund coaching, facilities, tryouts, and tournament fees.

Jeff Fernandez, Senior Vice President of Business Development & Ventures, New York Jets, said:
“This is a landmark partnership for not only the organization, but for girls’ flag football in general. The Jets are committed to finding unique ways to grow the sport of girls’ flag football, and by partnering with Fathead, Jets Flag Elite will be able to give our young athletes one-of-a-kind experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have.”

Fathead’s Role in Empowering Young Athletes

Fathead’s participation expands its own mission beyond fandom into empowering the next generation of athletes. Each Jets Flag Elite player will receive a signature “Big Head” Fathead to showcase at tournaments, adding a sense of professional pride and fan engagement throughout the season.

Jen Beaver, Chief Partnership Officer, Fathead, said:
“As a former college athlete, I know firsthand the transformative power of sport to build grit, identity, and community. Fathead is committed to supporting and growing the continued rise in women’s sports overall. This program is about investing in future leaders who are excelling both on and off the field.”

Experienced Coaches and Olympic Pathways

The Jets Flag Elite program continues under Head Coach Mickey McDermott, who led the high school team to a We Run the World tournament victory in Philadelphia. Victoria Burgarella, head coach at Xaverian High School, will remain as assistant coach. The new 14U team is fronted by Head Coach Jesse Marrow, a veteran of 15 years in competitive flag football who also coaches Team USA Boys 15U, UConn Club Flag, and Lady Supreme.

The program emphasizes player progression, with paths toward college recruitment, national team consideration, and potential participation in the 2028 Olympics, when flag football debuts as an official sport.

Impact Beyond the Field

Since 2011, the Jets have been champions of expanding girls’ access to football, starting with their PSAL partnership in New York City, the first NFL-led varsity girls flag league. In 2021, the Jets and Nike launched the first high school girls’ flag league in New Jersey, with support from Gatorade and Visa. This work led to official statewide recognition for the sport in New York (2024) and is expected to be sanctioned in New Jersey by next spring.

Troy Vincent Sr., Executive Vice President of NFL Football Operations, said:
“The Jets’ efforts with PAL, Nike, and now Fathead create additional pathways for youth to play flag or tackle, transition between the levels, and access affordable and inclusive programs through football.”

By combining elite coaching, sponsorship support, and Olympic-level pathways, Jets Flag Elite, powered by Fathead, is setting a new benchmark for girls’ flag football, building stronger athletes, stronger communities, and a stronger future for women’s sports.