Largest International NFL Flag Football Tournament to Date Hosted Teams From 12 Nations in Orlando
ORLANDO — Feb. 5, 2024 — The Nojima Sagamihara Rise team from the city of Sagamihara in Kanagawa, Japan has won the International NFL Flag Championships at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games.
The two-day international NFL Flag Football tournament was held from Feb. 2 to Feb. 3 at the University of Central Florida in Orlando — with 12 teams of boys and girls from countries across the world — the largest global representation to date.
Fast-paced and accessible for all, flag football is one of the fastest growing sports globally with women and girls driving some of the largest growth in participation. NFL Flag is the official flag football program of the NFL — working to bring the non-contact version of American football, played by both boys and girls, worldwide.
The International NFL Flag Championships comes on the heels of flag football's recent inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games — driven by the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and supported by the league.
"Last April, when we began the season in Japan, we never dreamed of celebrating as international champions and holding the championship trophy on stage," said Hide Yoshida, head coach for Team Japan. "As a coach, our goal is always to have players focus on one play and one game at a time. They may not yet realize the tremendous achievement they have accomplished."
"It has been an incredible two days of competition with 12 teams filled with talented boys and girls," said Afia Law, NFL Flag International. "Watching the competitive spirit of these young athletes as they celebrate the sport of flag football which was recently named an official sport for the 2028 Olympics is incredible. Congratulations to Team Japan!"
"I would like to pay tribute to all players who have proudly represented their countries in Orlando. The Pro Bowl Games has given them a wonderful platform to showcase their skills as well as an opportunity to meet other young people from around the world," said Pierre Trochet, president, IFAF. "All of them will now return home and serve as ambassadors for the sport in their home countries. I have been so impressed by the standard of play on display. It bodes well for the future of the game as we look ahead to LA28 and beyond."
Team Japan met team Mexico in the International NFL Flag Championship Game, winning 18–6 to be crowned 2024 champions — showcasing the global reach of flag football and the incredible youth talent from across the world.
Throughout the tournament, global flag ambassadors including Justin Jefferson, Diana Flores, Mona Stevens, Phoebe Schecter and more, dropped by the games to inspire youth athletes. The recent International Player Pathway (IPP) Class of 2024 including 16 athletes from eight nations training for their shot in the NFL, also dropped by to cheer on teams from their home countries - emphasizing the international footprint and opportunity of American football and the NFL.
All 12 teams who competed in the International NFL Flag Championships were crowned champions of their home countries' NFL Flag national tournaments this year.
On Sunday, Feb. 4, international flag football teams in attendance will watch the 2024 Pro Bowl Games up close to see AFC and NFC stars play the sport firsthand.
For more information on the Pro Bowl Games, visit NFL.com/pro-bowl-games/event-info/.
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About NFL Flag
NFL Flag — the official flag football program of the National Football League — is active across 14 international markets outside of the United States. Fast-paced and accessible for all, flag football is one of the fastest growing sports globally with women and girls leading some of the largest growth and increased participation.
The game provides a structured opportunity for youth to play the non-contact version of American football while discovering the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and friendship both on and off the field.
To find out more about NFL Flag around the world, please visit here.
NFL Explained: Flag football and the Olympics, find out more here.
