Recently recognised as an Olympic game, flag football is set to take over the Bay of Plenty this summer.
Flag football is a new discipline and will be part of the 2024 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Despite not having as many fans and players as other sports, Arataki Sports Club is ready to kick-off the first flag football tournament in the city.
The game is a fast-paced, non-contact form of American Football, played by teams of five, the game focuses on improving the passing and catching skills of young players before they begin playing contact American Football.
“This is a new sport in the region, but with all the job we have done in Arataki Sports Club and after being recognised and included in the Olympic Games 2028, we hope more kids to get involved,” says Arataki Thunder American Football head coach Graham Whyte.
Arataki Thunder American Football Club is ready to receive all the participants in the Flag Football tournament on Saturday, October 21.
“We will have four teams playing at the tournament, and we are so happy to give our Tamariki, the chance to show off all their skills and have fun with friends and family.”
Graham says they have organised the tournament to give each player enough game time.
“Flag Football is an inclusive sport, we have boys and girls playing on the same teams, this is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in New Zealand, we hope to have a national Olympic team shortly.”
Sting Rays, Sharks, Volcanic and Tsunami are the teams which will be playing this Saturday from 10.30am at the Flag Football tournament that goes till Christmas.
