Flag football takes flight as young Aussie athletes compete in China
Pathway opportunities are opening in the emerging sport of flag football, with a team of Gold Coasters trying their luck in China.
A group of young Australian athletes have journeyed to China to participate in the NFL Flag Asia Pacific Championships. Though this under-15s team only began playing flag football a year ago, their success is already noteworthy. Flag football, a non-contact variant of America's most popular sport, is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, with some players potentially qualifying for the team.
High school students from Palm Beach-Currumbin State High School are taking part in this year's competition, which is the only Australian team invited. The sport has seen a surge in popularity in Australia, with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell predicting a significant increase in participation by the time the 2032 Olympic Games roll around in Brisbane.
NFL Australia and New Zealand General Manager Charlotte Offord said the league funded the team's travel and competition, aiming to break down barriers for women in sports and provide more pathways for young athletes.
Coco Gillett, one of the players, expressed excitement at representing her country at an international level. While she will be too young to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games, Coco is focused on improving her skills year by year.
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