MENA Freedom 250 NFL Flag Football Launch and Championship
The MENA Freedom 250 program will launch and develop NFL Flag Football across the MENA region, leading to a 2027 championship in Riyadh to promote youth sports and US cultural influence.
Funder: U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia
Due Dates: September 14, 2026: Application deadline
Funding Amounts: $100,000–$150,000 total; 1 award; 12-month project period
Summary: Supports a 12-month, multi-country NFL Flag Football program culminating in a March 2027 regional championship in Riyadh to advance U.S. sports diplomacy and youth engagement in the MENA region.
Description
This opportunity, under the U.S. Department of State–NFL Sports Diplomacy Partnership, seeks a primary implementing partner to execute the "MENA Freedom 250" NFL Flag Football Launch and Championship. The 12-month program will develop a regional pipeline for flag football athletes in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), culminating in a high-profile championship event in Riyadh in March 2027. The program aims to leverage the upcoming debut of flag football at the LA28 Summer Olympics, support participating countries in organizing national outreach and youth programs, and use American sports as a vehicle to promote U.S. influence, economic interests, and sport-governance leadership in the region.
The selected recipient will coordinate with U.S. Embassies, Saudi sports organizations, and the NFL to deliver training clinics, a multi-nation tournament, and knowledge-sharing workshops, while also supporting follow-on outreach and reporting activities across MENA countries.
