USA Football has been officially certified as the national governing body for American football by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, allowing them to oversee the selection and training of the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams for flag football, which will debut at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. This certification marks a historic achievement for the organization and highlights the growing popularity of flag football, particularly among female players.
The number of girls participating in flag football has increased significantly in recent years, with high school girls flag football now sanctioned in 14 states. The NCAA is also exploring flag football as part of its “Emerging Sports for Women” program, providing more opportunities for female athletes to receive scholarships and further grow the sport.
Team USA’s flag football squads, which recently won gold at the IFAF Flag Football World Championships, are now working towards the World Games in Chengdu, China. The ultimate goal for both teams is to compete for an Olympic gold medal in 2028, an opportunity that players like Isabella Geraci see as a dream come true.
The growth of flag football and its inclusion in the Olympics is a testament to the hard work and dedication of athletes, coaches, and organizations like USA Football. As the sport continues to expand, the hope is that more young athletes will have the opportunity to play at a competitive level and represent their country on the global stage.
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