Athletes from other sports can qualify for flag football at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Great Britain is launching a major recruitment drive to identify elite male and female athletes from other sports who can successfully transition to flag football ahead of the LA28 Olympic Games, according to information published by BBC.
Flag football, which is a fast-growing and non-contact version of American football, will make its official Olympic debut at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, presenting a unique cross-sport pathway for ambitious competitors.
Chad Ehlertsen, chief executive of the British American Football Association, stated that the organization is actively looking for elite athletes with strong speed, agility, and decision-making skills rather than experienced flag players.
GB flag football talent pathway and trials
The British women's team is currently ranked among the best globally, having won the European Championships in 2023 and 2025, while narrowly missing a podium finish at the recent World Championships after a tight defeat to Mexico.
Trials for the GB women's programme are taking place at Loughborough College this weekend, where approximately 75 registered athletes will be assessed across multiple performance pillars to build up toward the 2027 European Championships.
Current team member Grace Conway, who previously played netball before discovering the sport at school, encourages cross-sport athletes to seize this rare opportunity to become Olympians in a rapidly expanding discipline.
Professional flag football league backing
In addition to the Olympics, cross-sport athletes are being considered for a new professional flag football league for men and women, which is heavily backed by the NFL and sports enterprise company TMRW Sports.
Co-founded by golf stars Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, TMRW Sports has attracted high-profile investors including NFL legends Tom Brady and Joe Montana, alongside tennis icon Billie Jean King and tennis star Serena Williams.
Champ Kelly, senior vice president of flag football operations at TMRW, explained that organizers are casting a wide net to find elite talent who might not yet realize that flag football is their ultimate sport.
Athlete conversion across global sports
Participation in the sport has boomed globally, with over 20 million people playing across more than 100 countries, prompting widespread athlete transitions from rugby, netball, and Australian rules football.
Several members of the Great Britain squad have successfully converted from alternative backgrounds, including Brittany Botterill in football, Phoebe Schecter in equestrian sports, and Jochebed Frimpong in athletics.
US-born athlete Emily Kemp achieved ultimate frisbee success while simultaneously helping Great Britain secure a European gold medal, proving that multi-sport mastery is entirely achievable in this arena.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is flag football at the Olympics?
Flag football is a condensed, non-contact version of American football that will make its official Olympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
How can athletes join the GB flag football team?
Athletes with strong speed, agility, and hand-eye coordination from other sports can attend talent trials held by the British American Football Association.
Is there a professional flag football league?
Yes, the NFL and TMRW Sports are launching a new professional flag football league for men and women with backing from prominent sports stars.
