SSAFA and TAPS unite bereaved military families for the 2026 NFL UK Experience

14 October 2026

“… a powerful moment of collective remembrance…”

Ten families from the UK and US came together in London for a moving weekend of remembrance, friendship, and shared hope, culminating in an NFL game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Since signing a Memorandum of Understanding in 2023, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) have strengthened their work connecting military families from the UK and US grieving loved ones, including those lost to suicide.

The 2026 TAPS NFL UK Experience brought together ten families from TAPS, SSAFA, and FAB - Families’ Activity Breaks - bereavement communities for four days of connection and remembrance. It gave families from both sides of the Atlantic space to share stories and form friendships with people who understand the unique challenges of military bereavement.

The families marked poignant moments of remembrance at The Cenotaph and the Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial near the Ministry of Defence. They also visited Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London, and enjoyed a performance of Wicked in London’s West End giving families the opportunity to honour loved ones while making new memories together.

A highlight was the families’ time with the Washington Commanders, whose care and compassion made the occasion especially memorable. 

Ahead of game day, the families were welcomed to a private practice session and joined Coach Quinn for lunch. He spent time speaking with them and answering questions from the children, continuing the Commanders’ longstanding support for TAPS military family programmes.

At Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the families watched the Washington Commanders take on the Indianapolis Colts, who claimed a 30–13 victory. During the game, an on-screen tribute recognised the families and honoured their fallen heroes.

“But the true victory was the resilience and camaraderie of the SSAFA, FAB, and TAPS families,” said Ellen Chard, Head of SSAFA Support Groups, who added: “The tribute was a powerful moment of collective remembrance shared across the stadium.”

Beyond the visits and game-day excitement, the weekend demonstrated the enduring value of the TAPS–SSAFA partnership, creating friendships and mutual support that reach far beyond a single event.

Private Kevin Thompson died after being repatriated following an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2007. His parents, Mark and Theresa, took part in the weekend.

Mark said: “London was fantastic. We had a brilliant time and wish we could turn back time. It was lovely meeting everyone, and we couldn’t have asked for anything more. Ellen and Jason [Executive Assistant of SSAFA's Social Care Operations] should be proud.

“Hopefully we’ll get another one like this before we get too old!”

Ellen concluded: “Mark’s words really bring home the importance of this annual weekend. Seeing families from the UK and US stand together, share their stories, and honour those they love reminds us that grief doesn’t have to be carried alone. The connections made during the TAPS NFL UK Experience offer comfort today and hope for the future.”

SSAFA extends its heartfelt thanks to TAPS, the NFL, and the Washington Commanders for making the 2026 experience possible and for the compassion shown to every family. 

Together, SSAFA and TAPS will continue to turn remembrance into enduring connection ensuring that bereaved military families on both sides of the Atlantic are seen, supported, and never left to battle grief alone.