Flag soccer is now performed by 20 million folks in additional than 100 nations and the speedy development of the ladies’s sport was key to it turning into one among 5 non-obligatory sports activities for LA28.
The game has been backed closely by the NFL, which goals to assist it earn choice for Brisbane 2032 too.
The choice is due earlier than the tip of 2026 so flag soccer may head into its Olympic debut realizing it’s going to characteristic in back-to-back Video games.
Participation has boomed in Australia and scores of athletes are switching from Australian guidelines soccer, netball and rugby, whereas the American crew has recruited basketball gamers.
GB’s Brittany Botterill (soccer/softball), Phoebe Schecter (equestrian), Marta Mathews (soccer), Jochebed Frimpong (athletics), Jess Allen (badminton) and Angelica Tait (athletics/snowboarding) all competed in different sports activities earlier than enjoying flag soccer.
US-born Emily Kemp even turned an final frisbee world champion final 12 months, in the identical summer time she helped GB win the flag Euros.
“We’re an elite crew already, we’re a possible medal menace at LA28, however we’re actually aspirational so we’re seeking to widen our expertise pool,” mentioned Chad Ehlertsen, chief government of the British American Soccer Affiliation (Bafa).
“When you have a look at the highest flag gamers all over the world, they’ve typically come from sure sports activities. They’ve good hand-eye coordination, agility, pace, decision-making underneath stress. These are the qualities we’re on the lookout for.
“In some ways we’re not on the lookout for elite flag gamers, we’re on the lookout for elite athletes which have the potential [to transfer] after which our coaches will assist them perceive the sport.”
