Flag Football: Berlin becomes a football stronghold in front of the Brandenburg Gate!

Flag Football: Berlin becomes a football stronghold in front of the Brandenburg Gate!

If football is very popular in Cologne, then American football is also experiencing a remarkable upswing in this country. This week, children in Berlin tried out the contact-free version of American football, flag football, at the Brandenburg Gate. They were able to get active under the guidance of former NFL stars like Dante Hall and take their first steps on the grass playing field. [Tagesspiegel] reports that school classes and clubs in particular were interested in this event.

With flags around their waists and no helmets or shoulder guards, children learn the basics of the game. Physical contact is not allowed, but the goal remains the same: to get the ball into the opposing team's end zone. The mini flag field will be open to young athletes every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Saturday. The NFL bosses' announcement underlines the growing presence of football and flag football in Germany. Alexander Steinforth, the NFL's Germany boss, is enthusiastic about the interest.

Flag football and the Olympics

Another interesting aspect is the upcoming integration of flag football into the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This was only officially decided in October 2023 and represents an important step for the sport. [ESPN] highlights that flag football is gaining importance not only in the USA but also globally and interest in this sport is constantly growing. The Olympics will have competitions for both men and women, in keeping with a push for inclusivity.

The NFL supports the addition of flag football to the Olympic program because it is a key part of its growth strategy. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was positive and looks forward to players having the opportunity to represent their countries. The call sign for the game's future development has been clearly set.

A look into the future

With sporting events that appeal to more and more young people, flag football could soon become more popular in Cologne. Numerous fan events will take place before the big NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at the Olympic Stadium, where around 72,000 fans are expected. This could be a great opportunity to get even more people interested in the sport.

In addition, the Pro Bowl in the NFL will be played in the format of flag football, which not only increases participation but also significantly reduces the risk of injuries. Many players, including stars like Tyreek Hill and Justin Jefferson, have already expressed interest in participating in the Olympics. The Olympic format will be 5-on-5, making it different from the current 7-on-7 in the Pro Bowl.

The interest in flag football clearly shows that the sport is becoming part of a dynamic and diverse sporting landscape. Future-oriented initiatives and events could mean that we in Cologne will soon have broader access to this exciting sport.