NFL To Open London Academy In September, Will Host Open Tryouts

The NFL in September will open a London-based academy, where it will have U.K. youth ages 16-18 "training under professional coaches, while completing full-time education," according to Charles Walford of the LONDON TIMES. The 80 students will be "selected at open trials over the summer." The academy will "provide those who show talent a clear pathway to college football" in the U.S. and "potentially the NFL -- a route hitherto difficult for players coming from the U.K." Former NFLer Osi Umenyiora and free agent RB Jay Ajayi are "among those who will take on ambassadorial roles at the academy," along with Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr., Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster and Pro Football HOFer Jerry Rice (LONDON TIMES, 5/8). NFL U.K. Managing Dir Alistair Kirkwood said that the announcement was the "'most important' development for the sport" in the country since the Jaguars "made a commitment to play multiple regular season games in London" (London EVENING STANDARD, 5/8).