The unexpected region fuelling UK's American football rise

Dozens of schools in the region have brought American football into their PE curriculums [BAFA] Did you know the current British national champions of American Football are in the west of England? The Bristol Aztecs claimed the championship title in 2025 and also hold four division titles. Their growing fanbase, alongside support for other teams like Swindon Storm, shows interest in the sport in the UK is still on the up.

So, for a game wrapped in USA culture and entertainment, how has the region become a hotbed for talent and fans? More from Bristol Three arrests in arson and robbery investigation Murder arrest after man found dead on rooftop How Sir David Attenborough built 'Green Hollywood' According to NFL UK, more than 18. 5 million people here are watching games and supporting the country's teams.

Flag football, a non-contact version, has also become a popular entry point into the sport with about 65 schools in the south west alone taking it up as part of their PE curriculum. The Bristol Aztecs, founded in 1990, have gone on to become national champions [Ben Rogers / BAFA] Jonathan Fry, a 26-year-old fan from Bristol, said it has been exciting watching the sport "massively grow" in popularity. "It's not just my little thing any more, I can share it and talk about it with other people," he said.

"I've met some great people through it. The fanbase in the UK is passionate. "You're on the edge of your seat the whole time when you watch it.