The San Francisco 49ers, in partnership with the 49ers Foundation, Banorte, and NFL Mexico, today announced the launch of 49ers Flag Mexico presented by Banorte, a school-based initiative designed to expand free access to Flag Football for youth across Mexico. Today, the program will be celebrated with a launch event featuring a press conference with the 49ers, NFL Mexico, and 49ers Flag Mexico coaches.
Beginning this school year, 49ers Flag Mexico officially launches in the Los Cabos BCS school system, where up to 15 public and private schools will integrate Flag Football into their physical education (PE) curriculum. With plans to expand into additional cities, the 49ers aim to reach up to 75 schools nationwide in its first year, creating a sustainable grassroots pathway for youth participation in the sport and reinforcing the impact of the NFL Mexico Flag program, which is projected to reach more than 7,000 schools and engage over 3.1 million boys and girls this year.
"Bringing our globally recognized Flag Football programming to Mexico on a permanent basis has been a goal of ours for a long time. We're thrilled to make that a reality with the launch of 49ers Flag Mexico," said Justin Prettyman, 49ers VP of Philanthropy and Executive Director of the 49ers Foundation. "This program deepens our commitment to the global growth of Flag Football and ensures that students across Mexico have free access to Flag Football and healthy lifestyle education. We are fortunate to have partners like NFL Mexico and Banorte who share our goals and vision for the game, and look forward to watching youth pick up the game in schools."
Through 49ers Flag Mexico, participating schools will receive equipment and a comprehensive Spanish-language curriculum designed for simple integration into PE classes. Teachers will be supported through in-person and virtual training led by respected leaders in Mexican Flag Football, including former 49ers offensive lineman Alfredo Gutiérrez and two of the most respected Flag Football coaches in Mexico, Coach Kelly (Arely Monserrat Pérez García) and Coach Odin (Odin Gracia Garcia) of Los Cabos BCS. At the end of each school year, the program will culminate in a school-based tournament, introducing students to organized competition while promoting teamwork, leadership, and healthy lifestyles.
Today's launch event also features a Flag Football coaching clinic led by 49ers Flag Mexico coaches, which will equip Los Cabos BCS PE teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to lead youth Flag Football instruction moving forward. Additionally, 49ers EDU, the STEAM education arm of the 49ers Foundation, will host a Spanish-language educational lesson for local Los Cabos youth. 49ers EDU has a longstanding history of youth education across the California Bay Area and beyond, with Levi's® Stadium being the only professional sports venue to feature dedicated youth education classrooms.
As the presenting partner of the NFL Mexico Flag programs and the 49ers Flag Mexico initiative, Banorte plays a central role in supporting the program's launch and long-term sustainability, reinforcing its commitment to youth development and community investment throughout Mexico.
"For Banorte, partnerships in sports go beyond sponsorship — they are platforms to create lasting social impact," said Carla Juan Chelala, Banorte CMO. "The launch of 49ers Flag Mexico allows us to expand access to sport, education, and personal development for thousands of young people, reinforcing our commitment to inclusion, community growth, and the future of Flag Football in Mexico."
Mexico has become a key international market for the 49ers, and since securing international marketing rights in 2022 as part of the NFL's Global Markets Program, the team has built the NFL's largest fanbase and largest social media following in Mexico.
Similarly, growing the game of Flag Football is a priority for the 49ers. The organization played a vital role in Girls Flag Football becoming a California sanctioned varsity sport in 2023, and recently launched a similar international youth Flag Football program in the UAE. As Flag Football's debut as an Olympic sport approaches in 2028, the 49ers aim to expand access to the sport as widely as possible.
For more information on 49ers Flag Mexico, please visit 49ers.com.
About the San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers, owned by the York family, currently play in the NFC West division and have won five Super Bowl trophies including Super Bowl XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV and XXIX. The franchise also has eight conference championships and 22 divisional championships and was the first major league professional sports team to be based in San Francisco over 75 years ago. Please visit 49ers.com and follow the 49ers on Facebook and X @49ers.
About the 49ers Foundation
For over 30 years, the 49ers Foundation has harnessed football to educate and empower youth in the Bay Area and beyond through collective and innovative community-focused strategies. From award-winning STEAM education and nationally recognized youth football programs, to impactful community partnerships with leading nonprofits, the 49ers Foundation is tirelessly dedicated to inspiring the confidence and collaboration youth need to tackle what is possible. Since 1991, the 49ers Foundation has invested more than $70 million back into historically underserved Bay Area communities in support of its commitment to remain faithful to the next generation.
About NFL Mexico
NFL Mexico is the Mexican branch of the National Football League, the professional American football league of the United States. Thanks to over 110 years of American football presence in Mexico, the NFL identifies Mexico as one of its most important markets outside the United States, which is why it opened its offices in Mexico in 1998. The areas handled here include Sponsorships, Licensing and Retail, Sports Development (which includes the NFL Flag Football Program), Media Broadcasts, and Social Responsibility. As part of NFL Mexico's work, the League returned to the country with a regular season game starting in 2016. Currently, the NFL has 32 professional teams affiliated with the League. For more information, visit mundo.nfl.com, @NFLMX on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, @MundoNFL on YouTube and Twitter, and @NFLMX or the NFL Facebook page www.facebook.com/NFL.
