IFAF and NFL Add Three Athletes from the Global Flag Football Community to Ambassador Program

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and the NFL welcomed Gabi Bankhardt (Brazil), Kodie Fuller (Australia) and Benjamin Klever (Germany) to the Global Flag Football Ambassador program. They join an all-star team of men and women that includes current flag and NFL players, NFL legends, coaches and officials from across the American football eco-system, who work to further raise the global profile and promote the unique values of one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

Global Flag Football Ambassadors support the combined global efforts of IFAF and the NFL to increase awareness, interest and participation in flag football internationally, driving the development of the game forward.

Bankhardt, Fuller and Klever are representing their countries in the 2024 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Finland, which run from Aug. 27-30, alongside more than 600 athletes from 54 international teams.

“We are delighted to announce Gabi Bankhardt, Kodie Fuller and Ben Klever as our newest Global Flag Football Ambassadors, as these athletes take to the field at the biggest ever edition of the IFAF Flag Football World Championships,” said Pierre Trochet, president, IFAF. “These incredible athletes, from three different continents, embody flag football's values and demonstrate the worldwide impact flag is creating. Their stories will inspire more fans to get involved with the sport, especially as we continue to build towards our Olympic debut at LA28."

“Gabi Bankhardt, Kodie Fuller and Ben Klever have each dedicated many years to promoting and increasing the awareness of flag football in their home countries while playing at the highest level,” said Stephanie Kwok, vice president and head of flag football at the NFL. “They are strong role models for the athletic, fast-paced, competitive and inclusive game globally, and we look forward to working with them to further inspire the next generation of flag football athletes around the world.” 

Bankhardt has been playing flag football since 2017 and has established herself as one of Brazil's most prominent flag football athletes, becoming a captain of the Brazilian National Flag Football team and a South American champion. Bankhardt is dedicated to the sport and in addition to being an athlete, also coaches both men’s and women’s teams across multiple levels.

Fuller played tackle football for nine years before playing flag. She played on the inaugural Australian Flag Football team in the 2023 Asia Oceania Championship in Kuala Lumpur, winning silver.

Klever played flag football via NFL Europe in 2002 while attending high school in Frankfurt with a local club team (Walldorf Wanderers). He has been a part of the German national team since 2007, has won seven consecutive German Championship titles and has attended multiple world and European championships.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced in October 2023 that flag football would be included in the LA28 Olympic Games. Its inclusion, led by IFAF and supported by the NFL, showcases a new pathway to play the game at the elite level and develop the sport globally.

Played by an estimated 20 million people in more than 100 countries across 6 continents, flag football is a short, fast, non-contact and gender-equal format. It is the most inclusive and accessible format of football, played by people of all ages and genders, with women and girls driving some of the sport's fastest growth.