280 Teams Qualified for the First NFL Flag Championships

The NFL announced that 2,860 flag players will participate in the NFL Flag Championships, the world's premiere youth flag football tournament, from July 18-21 at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio. The championships will feature 280 NFL Flag regional winning teams of girls and boys and six international teams.

Players will have an elevated experience while visiting the Hall of Fame Village, beginning with introductions of the teams and coaches on opening night. Teams will tour the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which includes its first flag football exhibit, to educate players about the history of football.

“The NFL Flag Championships, being held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, amplifies the goal for this tournament and for the NFL,” said Stephanie Kwok, Vice President of NFL Flag. “This championship showcases highly competitive games with competition from all 32 NFL clubs around the country. It also exemplifies that flag football at the grassroots level is inclusive and accessible — every girl or boy that wants to play will have every opportunity to play this game.” 

The NFL Flag Championships will be available in over 125 countries, including live coverage available in Mexico, Brazil, throughout Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Fans in the Netherlands, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands will also be able to consume coverage of the event on ESPN branded networks.  

“Combining ESPN and Disney platforms with the NFL’s commitment to flag football, the NFL Flag Championships will be the showcase event of the summer for the world’s fastest growing sport,” said Julie Sobieski, ESPN Senior Vice President of League Programming and Acquisitions. “Through our presentation and robust global distribution, we will spotlight the highly talented boys and girls within the tournament, while also highlighting the exciting, inclusive and accessible nature of the sport. We look forward to being a gateway for many fans, including the peers of the participating athletes, to experience competitive flag football for the first time.”

The tournament structure will begin with pool play on Thursday, July 18. On Friday, there will be a round of 16 for two age groups and pool play for designated age groups. On Saturday, there will be quarterfinals and playoffs. Sunday, the last day of the tournament, will include semi-finals and finals.

“The entire community is excited and preparing to welcome the NFL Flag Championships to Canton and to share the Hall of Fame Village with the world,” said Michael Crawford, President and CEO of Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Company. “We believe that the village is the perfect place to host these amazing young athletes and their families, given Canton is the home of professional football and where the greatest to ever play the game reside forever. It’s an incredible opportunity to connect the past with the future over four days of world-class competition.”

Tournament players and coaches will be invited to visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame free of charge, and parents and other family members will receive discounted admission and discounts in the Hall’s retail store.

“We are certain everyone coming to Canton for this great event will leave with memories that will last a lifetime,” said Jim Porter, President of the Hall of Fame. “At the Hall of Fame, guests will learn about and meet some of the greatest to play the sport, while also taking home with them many valuable lessons the game teaches at every level.”

For more information on NFL Flag football and to find a league in your neighborhood, visit here.