FLAG FOOTBALL HEADED TO BURDEKIN SCHOOLS

Burdekin school students will have a new sport to try, with free flag football kits being distributed to schools across Queensland.

The National Football League (NFL) is providing a kit to every Queensland school, meaning schools in the Burdekin will also have access to equipment and resources to introduce students to the sport.

Each kit contains 12 flag belts, three footballs and NFL Flag curriculum and teaching resources for schools.

Flag football is a short-form, non-contact version of American football. Instead of tackling the ball carrier, players stop them by pulling a flag from a belt.

The sport is played by more than 20 million people across more than 100 countries and will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

It is also an eligible activity under the Queensland Government’s Play On! Sports Vouchers program.

Queensland Sport and Racing Minister Tim Mander said the kits would give students an opportunity to try a sport that is growing internationally.

“This is a wonderful initiative by the NFL and will encourage more young Queenslanders to get out and be active,” Mr Mander said.

“It’s great that our kids will now become more and more familiar with Flag Football before it makes its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in two years’ time.”

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the kits would give schools another option for getting students involved in sport.

“Sport plays an important role in supporting student wellbeing, engagement and development,” Mr Langbroek said.

“The NFL's provision of these kits gives Queensland schools another opportunity to get students active and introduce them to a new sport.”

Flag football is already being played at several Queensland schools, including Burleigh Heads State School, Varsity College and Benowa State High School.

NFL Australia and New Zealand general manager Charlotte Offord said the program was aimed at making the sport more accessible to students.

“Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and Australia is helping to lead the movement—especially across Queensland,” Ms Offord said.

“These kits will provide more young people with pathways to learn the game.”

The NFL said providing equipment free to schools would help reduce barriers for students wanting to try the sport.

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