By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
At 22, Phoebe Schecter made a life changing decision to move from the U.S. to the UK. Initially, she was adjusting to life in rural Cheshire, working with horses after studying equine business management in the States. Feeling homesick and looking for a connection to her American roots, she stumbled across an online ad for a women’s American football team. That decision marked a turning point in her life, eventually leading her to the NFL and possibly the Olympics.
Raised in Connecticut with a passion for horse riding, Schecter utilized her dual British citizenship to accept a job at an equestrian center in the UK in 2012. Searching for a new challenge, she took a chance on American football, despite having no previous experience. By February 2013, she had attended a trial in Manchester, discovering a new passion that reshaped her life.
Schecter’s enthusiasm and dedication quickly propelled her through the ranks. She became a founding member of the GB women’s tackle football team and also played flag football the non contact version of the sport that will debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She even joined the men's tackle team Staffordshire Surge.
Her ambition led her to coaching, beginning with internships at American universities in 2016 and later with the NFL's Buffalo Bills in 2017, making her Britain's first female NFL coach. Schecter admits she had to rapidly catch up with the sport's intricacies, but her persistence, positivity, and curiosity earned her a respected place on the team.
Working in the male-dominated world of the NFL wasn’t without challenges, but Schecter embraced her unique position. She earned the trust of her colleagues, making her mark both as a coach and a mentor. She recalls the moment when she truly felt accepted by her team when a new player was asked to vacate her regular seat during a meeting. It was a small gesture, but it affirmed her belonging.
In addition to coaching, Schecter ventured into broadcasting, appearing as an NFL analyst on Sky Sports during the Covid-19 lockdown. Despite initial nerves and skepticism from some viewers, she established herself as a knowledgeable voice alongside seasoned analysts like Neil Reynolds and Jason Bell. Her expertise earned her a regular spot, where she continues to break barriers in the industry.
Schecter has also faced opposition along the way, including from a male coach who questioned her qualifications. Yet, she remains undeterred, emphasizing that the NFL prioritizes the best candidates for the job, regardless of gender.
Beyond coaching and broadcasting, Schecter has become a global ambassador for flag football and serves on committees for both the British American Football Association and the International Federation of American Football. She is dedicated to promoting the sport and mentoring the next generation of athletes.
Now 34, Schecter is one of the longest serving members of the GB flag football team, which ranks fourth in the world. The team recently competed in the Flag Football World Championships, with hopes of securing a place at the 2025 World Games in China. Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics, Schecter remains committed to the sport, whether as a player or coach.
Though she acknowledges that younger athletes may eventually take her place on the team, Schecter remains focused on contributing to the sport’s growth and development. Her journey from an equestrian background to an NFL coach and international flag football player underscores her belief in taking risks and seizing new opportunities.
