Saints Expand Flag and American Football in France

By Pauline Figuet, New Orleans Saints

NEW ORLEANS (press release) – For the past three years, the New Orleans Saints have supported the French Federation of American Football (FFFA) in developing flag football and American football in France. 

“This major partnership for our federation opens a window onto another sporting culture, fosters exchange between our two countries and offers our young members an exceptional human adventure,” said FFFA President Frédéric Paquet. “It also marks a new step in our ambition to sustainably grow flag football in France, and we are delighted to have the support of the Saints.”

Organizers share that the Saints have supported the FFFA by:

• Backing French teams competing in international NFL tournaments
• Organizing a clinic in Villepinte last summer for over 150 young French players
• Visiting a school flag football training in Villebon-sur-Yvette with Saints Owner Gayle Benson and players Tyler Shough and Taliese Fuaga this March
• Working alongside the NFL to grow flag football in schools

Tyler Shough and Gayle Benson tour Stade de France, By Lenka Hudakova, New Orleans Saints

Additionally, as an NFL Saints game is set to be held in France for the first time in history this coming October, the Saints and the FFFA are building on the momentum with a full program dedicated to mixed U15 teams. 

Qualifying rounds for the U15 program were held across France, followed by a national tournament in Saint-Denis this past June. Six teams qualified for the Saints French U15 Flag Football Tournament, which will take place on Sep.19 at the Stade Émile Anthoine in Paris.

The tournament winners will be invited on a sports and cultural trip to New Orleans in December 2026.

During this multi-day sports and cultural trip to New Orleans, supported by the Saints and the Strauss Family Office, the winners will take part in an unforgettable experience where they will:

• Engage with local flag football teams
• Immerse themselves in the culture of Louisiana
• Participate in pre-game moments and other activities
• Attend a Saints game in the Caesars Superdome

“As the first NFL team to lead the expansion of flag football in France, the New Orleans Saints are proud to support this growing movement with the FFFA and the Strauss Family Office,” said Owner and CEO of the New Orleans Saints Gayle Benson. “The passion and dedication of these young athletes reflect the bright future of our sport, and this tournament strengthens the connection between our communities. We look forward to welcoming the champions to New Orleans and celebrating the continued rise of flag football in France.”

The collaboration is supported by the Strauss Family Office, which champions French-U.S. relations through sports, cultural and educational projects. These projects include the Remembrance Bowl, a flag football game played in Normandy by active-duty soldiers to mark D-Day. 

Led by CEO Michelle Strauss, the Strauss Family Office is committed to developing and supporting the growth of flag football in France alongside the Saints.

“Normandy taught us that the bond between France and the United States was forged through sacrifice, and it remains our responsibility to carry that bond forward for the next generation – not through remembrance alone, but through action,” said Strauss. “Flag football gives us a living bridge where young French and American athletes can compete against, learn from and ultimately call friends.”

“There is no franchise more fitting to help lead this growth in France than the New Orleans Saints, whose own history of resilience and community mirrors the values we hope these young athletes carry with them,” said Strauss. “We are proud to stand with the Saints, the NFL and the FFFA as they take the field for the first NFL game ever played on French soil, and prouder still to welcome these young athletes to New Orleans this December.”

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