As flag football arrives at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Canadians seeking top-tier competition will get the chance to showcase their skills before Team Canada scouts at Football Ontario’s Adult Flag Circuit.
On March 15, Football Ontario, in collaboration with the NFL’s Detroit Lions, will organize the London Open in the Adult Flag Circuit. The event is set to occur at the BMO Centre located in London.
“We believe it’s an excellent game to engage with, and we hope that the collaboration with Football Ontario and the Lions increases awareness of the chances individuals have to participate in the sport,” remarks Chris Fritzsching, the executive director of football education for the Detroit Lions.
The Adult Flag Circuit also features the Milton Open, scheduled for Feb. 15 at St. Francis Xavier Secondary School, along with the Niagara Championship, planned for April 12.
“Should you want to compete in flag at a higher level, this is the venue for it.” “Whether it’s a newly formed team or one you have been training with for ages, it’s a great opportunity to showcase your skills and earn some money,” states Olivia Ghosh-Swaby, a neuroscience PhD student at Western and the manager for flag football development at Football Ontario.
Qualifiers can win prizes such as $750 and Lions gear, whereas championship awards feature $1,000 and Lions merchandise.
Through this collaboration, the Lions seek to broaden flag football throughout Ontario by providing participants a distinct chance to connect with the NFL and foster community development.
This collaboration with Football Ontario is merely the start. Fritzsching states, “We will be focusing on several additional aspects that we hope will create lasting engagement and influence on the game and its development in the province.”
Fritzsching believes that the resilience of Detroit and the Lions organization will enhance the event’s ambiance and competitive energy.
“The term ‘grit’ has been frequently utilized by Coach Campbell and our whole football team, and it has spread throughout the organization,” states Fritzsching.
Ghosh-Swaby collaborated with NFL Canada to establish the partnership for the event with the Lions. She was responsible for organizing and promoting the event as well.
“Olivia is incredibly committed to the sport, and this wouldn’t have occurred without her.” “She is truly at the forefront of this sport, particularly in Ontario,” says Angelica Tait, a first-year master’s student in environment and sustainability at Western and a player for the Western women’s flag football team.
Tait began playing flag football in intramurals while earning her undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa. She later found the school’s women’s flag football team and became a starting receiver, uncovering her genuine passion for the sport.
The Adult Flag Circuit will provide an opportunity for scouts from Team Canada to recognize possible talent for the national Olympic team, an opportunity Tait aims to leverage.
“With the establishment of this Olympic pathway, these competitions assist in recognizing athletes for the Olympics or the Olympic team, allowing them to receive invitations to camps,” states Ghosh-Swaby.
Fritzsching mentions that multiple Lions players have shown interest in taking part in the flag football event at the 2028 Olympics.
However, for individuals who aren’t targeting the Olympics, this event will validate flag football as a legitimate sport for Canadians, providing a chance to remain active and compete at a competitive level.
“I’ve always participated in sports while growing up, but none have resonated with me quite like flag football,” Tait states. “I began following the NFL closely and turned into a Bills supporter, which ignited my enthusiasm for football overall.”
Tait’s increasing enthusiasm for football underscores the importance of events like this, which can profoundly change a person’s outlook on flag football.
“When you finish playing football in high school and aren’t skilled enough to compete at the college level, there isn’t really another chance to continue playing.” “This is an excellent method to remain engaged in the game,” states