Union Jack Classic & Jaguars Deliver First Elite Series Clinic In London
By Simon Carroll
The Jacksonville Jaguars UK and the Union Jack Classic delivered the first Elite Series Clinic in London, bringing together aspiring American football players for a day of high-performance coaching and on-field development.
The Clinic was held ahead of the first-ever college football game at Wembley Stadium, with the Union Jack Classic bringing in University of Kansas Jayhawks Head Coach Lance Leipold, whose team is competing, to support the session.
Elite Series Clinic
Hosted at Kings House Sports Ground in Chiswick, the event welcomed 100 athletes across two age categories (18–22 and 23+), giving participants access to elite coaching and a structured, competitive training environment.
Coaching was delivered by the University of Kansas, a Big 12 Conference team, one of the most competitive in U.S. college football, alongside Jacksonville Jaguars UK staff and experienced BAFA coaches. Throughout the day, players took part in combine-style assessments, position-specific drills and controlled competitive periods, mirroring elements of NCAA Division I training.
Designed for players already competing at an advanced level, the clinic focused on refining technical ability, improving positional understanding and exposing attendees to the standards expected within top-tier American football programmes.
The Elite Series Clinics form part of the broader collaboration between the Jacksonville Jaguars UK and the Union Jack Classic, aimed at strengthening the domestic American football pathway while building momentum ahead of the inaugural Union Jack Classic fixture at Wembley Stadium on 19 September 2026.
"A Chance To Learn"
Lance Leipold, Head Coach at the University of Kansas, said: “It’s been a great experience working with the players here in London. There’s a clear passion for the game and a willingness to learn, which is exactly what you look for as a coach.
“Opportunities like this are valuable not just for player development, but for growing the sport internationally. Being able to share our approach and connect with athletes outside of the US is something we’re really proud to be part of.”
Brian Dubiski, Co-Founder and CEO of the Union Jack Classic said: “From day one, we’ve wanted to play a part in growing the American football community here in the UK in a way that really adds value. The Elite Series Clinic is a big part of that, giving players the chance to learn from top-level coaches and experience what the game looks like at a higher level.
“There’s clearly a lot of momentum behind the sport right now, and it’s important we keep building on that. For us, this is about creating more opportunities, connecting people within the game and helping players take the next step in their development.”
Wembley Preparations
Jenn Toy, Vice President of Events and International Operations at Jacksonville Jaguars said: “This is exactly the kind of environment we have worked extensively to create for players in the UK, one where they can challenge themselves, learn from top-level coaches and experience the intensity of elite training standards.
“Seeing the level of engagement and quality across both sessions on Saturday was incredibly encouraging. It shows how much the game has developed here, and why opportunities with partners like Union Jack Classic are so important in supporting the next stage of that growth.”
The Clinic also formed part of a wider visit to the UK by the University of Kansas programme. During their time in London, Head Coach Lance Leipold and representatives from Kansas undertook a visit to Wembley Stadium, gaining a first-hand look at the venue that will host the Union Jack Classic later this year.
Tickets can be purchased now on the Union Jack Classic website here: https://unionjackclassic.com/tickets-hospitality/
SIMON CARROLL
Lead Writer, Head of Content
PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN COVERING COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE NFL DRAFT SINCE 2009. BASED IN MANCHESTER, SIMON IS ALSO CO-CREATOR & WEEKLY GUEST OF THE COLLAPSING POCKET PODCAST AND COVERS THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS FOR SB NATION.