British sprinter Amy Hunt embodies the Olympic magic.
Athletes eye a fresh path to follow the 2024 champion to Los Angeles 2028.
Flag football, a fast‑paced, non‑contact spin on American football, ranks among the quickest‑growing games and will debut at LA28.
Great Britain aims to qualify and is scouting male and female athletes from other disciplines to make the switch.
Cross‑sport talent may also join a new pro flag football league backed by the NFL, Tiger Woods and Serena Williams.
“[LA28] is two years away, so this is your final chance to master a new sport.”
“I urge athletes to try it; the Olympics are unique, and flag football will shine at LA.”
What is GB’s flag football pedigree?
GB’s women rank among the world’s elite, clinching European titles in 2023 and 2025 and entering this summer’s Worlds as the third seed.
The USA qualify as hosts; two extra spots were up for grabs at Worlds, where GB fell 20‑19 to Mexico in the bronze match.
Grace Conway, a GB stalwart, switched from netball after discovering flag football at 14 and later committed fully.
Though netball isn’t Olympic, 27‑year‑old Conway now eyes a flag‑football ticket to the Games.
“Every athlete dreams of the highest stage, and nothing tops the Olympics,” Conway said.
“We never imagined flag football going Olympic. I once scouted other sports for a switch, so the news thrilled me. Now I hope we make it.”
What kind of athletes are wanted?
Played by 20 million people across 100+ nations, the women’s surge helped flag football earn a spot among LA28’s five optional sports.
Heavy NFL backing seeks to push the sport toward Brisbane 2032 inclusion as well.
A verdict expected by late 2026 could secure flag football’s back‑to‑back Olympic debut.
Australia sees a participation surge, with athletes migrating from Aussie rules, netball and rugby, while the U.S. squad taps basketball talent.
GB’s Brittany Botterill (football/softball), Phoebe Schecter (equestrian), Marta Mathews (football), Jochebed Frimpong (athletics), Jess Allen (badminton) and Angelica Tait (athletics/snowboarding) all switched from other sports to flag football.
US‑born Emily Kemp clinched an ultimate frisbee world title last year and helped GB capture the flag Euros that summer.
“We’re already elite and a medal threat at LA28, but we’re hungry for more talent,” says Chad Ehlertsen, CEO of BAFA. In my view, expanding the pool is the smartest move.
“Top flag players usually hail from specific sports. They boast hand‑eye coordination, agility, speed and clutch decision‑making—exactly the traits we seek,” he explained.
“We’re not hunting flag specialists; we’re after elite athletes with transfer potential, then our coaches will teach the game,” he added.
In March, the NFL revealed plans for a co‑ed professional flag football league with TMRW Sports.
Pronounced ‘tomorrow’, TMRW—co‑founded by Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods—first launched the TGL golf league.
Backers feature NFL icons Tom Brady and Joe Montana, alongside Billie Jean King, Serena Williams and Alex Morgan.
The inaugural season may start next summer; the first talent qualifier at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium drew 57 internationals, including GB hopefuls.
“We’re casting a wide net,” said Champ Kelly, TMRW’s senior VP of flag football ops.
He added, “We want flag football’s elite and the cross‑sport athletes who haven’t yet realized this is their game.”
Select players will appear in a Pro Flag Showcase during Super Bowl week, and more scholarships are emerging at U.S. colleges for domestic and overseas talent.
“We’re part of history,” said Australia’s Kodie Fuller. “We never imagined this, yet daily the sport surprises me.”
When are the GB trials?
GB begins a new training cycle aimed at the 2027 European Championships, with the final LA28 berths up for grabs in June 2028.
Women’s trials take place at Loughborough College this weekend, evaluating athletes on multiple performance pillars.
Roughly 70 registrants have signed up, and GB veteran Conway welcomes the challenge.
“That’s top‑level sport; you’re always fighting for your spot,” she said. “More participants raise competitiveness and lift the overall standard.”
“No one expects you to know the sport already. With the right foundation and an open mind, it could be your best decision. A clear pathway now exists,” she added.
“Flag football is super fun. You’ll make friends, it’s easy to learn and you’ll love it,” said Italy’s Nausicaa Dell’Orto.
“If you want Olympic glory, this is your moment right now,” she urged.