Scaling Grassroots Sport Through Smart Data

Chris shared how the NFL Flag Schools Programme has transformed its operations to grow from 18,000 participants in 2022 to over 120,000 children in more than 1,000 schools by 2025.

Offering free accredited training, equipment, and tournament pathways, the programme faced huge logistical challenges as it scaled. With support from Praesto Consulting, NFL Flag streamlined processes and embraced a single data source to:

• Automate registration and equipment shipping
• Simplify communications and self-service onboarding
• Track impact in real time through an in-built reporting platform

This approach freed up staff time, improved participant experience, and increased both reach and inclusion—female participation rose to 53%, and representation from diverse backgrounds nearly doubled.

The next phase will see the launch of a global online training platform to extend this success even further.

Key Takeaways for Charities and Non-Profits:

• The outcome is determined by the process—investing in clear workflows pays dividends.
• A single, reliable source of data is critical to measuring impact and demonstrating value to funders.
• Automation doesn’t just save time; it frees teams to focus on mission rather than administration.
• Real-time reporting makes it easier to spot trends and adapt quickly as programmes grow.

The message was clear: the right data strategy makes ambitious growth possible.