SCHOOLS will get the chance to try one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, with free flag football kits being rolled out to every school across Queensland.
The National Football League (NFL) is donating and distributing the kits as part of a push to introduce more young Australians to the non-contact version of American football ahead of its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
Each kit contains 12 flag belts, three footballs, an NFL Flag curriculum and teaching resources designed to help schools introduce the sport to students.
Flag football follows many of the principles of American football but removes tackling, with defenders instead stopping the ball carrier by pulling a flag from their belt.
The fast-paced sport is now played by more than 20 million people across more than 100 countries and has been included on the program for the 2028 Olympics.
It is also an eligible activity under the Queensland Government’s Play On! Sports Vouchers program.
NFL Australia and New Zealand general manager Charlotte Offord said Queensland was emerging as an important part of the sport’s rapid Australian growth.
“Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and Australia is helping to lead the movement – especially across Queensland,” Ms Offord said.
“These kits will provide more young people with pathways to learn the game, so today is an exciting day for us.
“We want to ensure that every school and student gets the same opportunity to play.”
The rollout comes as flag football builds momentum internationally ahead of Los Angeles 2028, providing Queensland students with an opportunity to get involved in a sport that could eventually offer a pathway to the Olympic stage
