- Comes with first-ever NFL match to be held in Melbourne
The NFL has launched an initiative to make flag football more popular Down Under, in the lead up to the sport being introduced at the Olympics.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has revealed the organisation is set to provide free flag football kits to every Aussie school, in an effort to increase the sport’s notoriety.
The announcement was made with Goodell in Australia to promote the first NFL match in history to be held in the country.
The match will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday, September 11, 2026, featuring the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers.
Flag football is a key strategic, non-contact, 5-a-side variant of American football actively promoted by the NFL to drive global participation.
And now Aussie kids will gain access to the sport for free, ahead of its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (pictured) has been the positive announcement recently
NFL legend Tom Brady (pictured) recently took part in a legends Flag Football event in Los Angeles
‘Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and Australia is helping to lead the movement,’ Goodell said.
‘These flag kits will give more young people an opportunity to learn the game, be part of a team and gain skills that will benefit them on and off the field.’
The NFL’s new measure is an integral part of the competition’s efforts to support youth health and wellness, while also expanding access to the game.
Its new program will also equip those in the education space with resources needed to increase the popularity of the sport at a junior level.
12 flag belts, three footballs, the NFL Flag curriculum will all be included in the special kits.
Flag football is continuing to see a quick growth at a grassroots level in Australia, and the Pacific.
The program began as a small program back in 2022, but has since expanded to hundreds of schools.
Flag football will become an Olympic sport for the first time at the Los Angeles Summer Games in 2028.
The NFL has continued to invest in global growth through kids participation, as well as youth development
Australia represents a very important market in the league’s global expansion efforts.
Flag football is currently played across all states and territories in Australia.
Almost 100,000 participants currently take part in the game across hundreds of education institutions.