U.S., British, French armed forces strengthen ties during flag football

Published May 20, 2025
By 1st Lt. John Nichols
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The Liberty Wing hosted U.S., British, and—for the first time—French service members for a flag football tournament May 16, deepening military relationships and camaraderie among the NATO allies.

Now in its third year, the event marked a milestone with the debut of the French Armed Forces team. U.S. players were drawn from the tri-base area: RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall and RAF Feltwell.

Two players jump and reach for a football during an American football game — A player from the U.S. visiting forces attempts to intercept a pass during a flag football match against the UK armed forces at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 16, 2025. The second game of the annual tournament highlighted the athleticism and competitive spirit of allied service members as they strengthened partnerships through sport. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Seleena Muhammad-Ali)

Since 2023, the NFL’s New York Jets have sponsored the tournament as part of their Salute to Service campaign, providing jerseys, game balls and flags, adding to the authentic American football atmosphere.

Chief Master Sgt. Peter Martinez, 48th Fighter Wing command chief, emphasized the tournament's deeper value.

“It was an incredible moment to see both our Airmen and their families stationed here overseas side by side with our NATO allies experiencing a slice of American culture,” Martinez said. “Whether we agree on which sport should be called football or not, it was still fun to share our version with our NATO allies to do our part in bringing us together.”

Before kickoff, participants and families enjoyed a classic American tailgate with hot dogs, cornhole and static military displays. The celebration highlighted the sense of community among the allies, both on and off the field.

“You guys always put on a great atmosphere, a good show for us, and a good tailgate,” said William Halton, UK armed forces team assistant president. “Having more of this would be great!”

Four people in the photo. One of them posed as if he just tossed a bean bag during a game of cornhole — Members of the U.K. armed forces team play cornhole during a tailgate hosted by the United Service Organizations at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 16, 2025. The event was held in conjunction with the third annual flag football tournament, which included teams from the U.S. visiting forces, U.K. armed forces, and, for the first time, the Football Américain des Armées. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Seleena Muhammad-Ali)

The French Armed Forces team’s enthusiastic participation brought a fresh dynamic.

“It’s like a dream, really it’s like a dream to meet you, to meet with the British Army, to play football, to be in England, to play with the American [Air Force] and British Army,” said Yohan Calatyud, FAA team President. “The most surprising was [the U.S.’s] hospitality, we were invited and you did the maximum to host us and it worked perfectly.”

Adding to the spirit of the day, the Lakenheath High School Air Force Junior ROTC honor guard presented the colors, and school cheerleaders energized the sidelines, giving the visiting teams a full Friday-night-lights experience.

“Without the Airmen beside me, to my left and my right, there’s no way this [event] could have happened,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Emmanuel Yates, U.S. visiting forces project officer. “A lot of what we do these days involves a constant commitment to assure our allies, and for them to assure us, that we are here for each other. So hopefully this is one way we can show that engagement, [and] make sure that what we do here can also happen in other locations.”

Photo shows a line of people wearing green jerseys shaking hands with another line of people wearing white jerseys following an American football game — Players from the UK armed forces and the Football Américain des Armées shake hands following their match during the annual flag football tournament at RAF Lakenheath, England, May 16, 2025. The event promoted camaraderie, sportsmanship and strengthened military partnerships through friendly competition. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Seleena Muhammad-Ali)

After a round-robin series of games, the U.S. team emerged as champions, winning both of their games. Senior Airman Calis Clubb of the 48th Security Forces Squadron was named MVP.

“I’ve played football my whole life,” Clubb said after the game. “I was kind of worried coming overseas, I wasn’t gonna get the same kind of fun… so coming out here, being able to do stuff like this, especially with other countries and buddies from different squadrons, different jobs, just talking to different people was a good time… I just think that everyone who came out here was just good people.”

Looking ahead, the team hopes to expand the tournament further by inviting additional NATO allies and partners to participate, ultimately highlighting the enduring power of sport to strengthen partnerships and friendships across borders.