Leading into Memorial Day Weekend, the Jets hosted the second annual flag football game between the United States Visiting Forces (USVF) and the United Kingdom Armed Forces (UKAF) at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the UK. The United States Visiting Forces (USVF) defeated the United Kingdom Armed Forces (UKAF) 60-12 in front of a crowd of 1,700.
The Jets provided jerseys, merchandise, footballs, equipment, and a postgame meal to support the event. Jets Legends Tony Richardson and Erik Coleman served as honorary coaches and joined in on the pre and postgame celebrations. Richardson coached the winning USVF, while Coleman coached the UKAF.
"My dad served 32 years, so I grew up on a military base," said Tony Richardson. "It's been amazing to come back onto a military base and see all the beautiful fighter planes, get a chance to meet the men and women who service the planes, and to see some really cool behind the scenes things. But tonight was about some serious football and it's really cool because the game of football changed my life. I was very fortune to play the game of football and to see the men and women who defend our county participate in the game is great."
The event opened with a pre-game tailgate party provided by the USO, including games, food, and giveaways. Following the game, players, families, and the local community gathered at the Liberty Club for a postgame afterparty to celebrate the comradery between partner nation Armed Forces.
Before kickoff, Richardson and Coleman were given a tour of the base and demonstrations by both forces.
"This has been the experience of a lifetime. To have the opportunity to meet the men and women sacrifice everything for our country is such an honor," said Jets Legend Erik Coleman. "As a civilian, you don't get the chance to see the day-to-day operations of our military, this was very special!"
This marks the 36th flag football game the Jets have sponsored for the Armed Forces. Past games have been played across five continents, with games being hosted on bases in Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkey, Japan, Kuwait, Djibouti, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
