USA Football Creates Flag Football Summer Series

USA Football will host a series of flag football events at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, from June 20–22 to strengthen international competition in preparation for the sport’s introduction at the 2028 Olympic Summer Games in Los Angeles.

More than 750 athletes representing 10 countries will compete as part of USA Football’s Summer Series. The Junior International Cup and Select Bowl run from June 20–22 and June 21–22, respectively, followed by International Bowl from June 21–22.

“As we look ahead to the 2028 Olympics, USA Football will bring a preview of flag football’s exciting, fast-paced international style to Los Angeles,” said USA Football Chief Executive Officer Scott Hallenbeck. “We’re proud to return to Dignity Health Sports Park to host the largest collection of international teams we’ve ever assembled. With flag football’s Olympic debut on the horizon in LA28, Summer Series previews the sport’s global excitement and momentum. The week of international competition is part of USA Football’s efforts to strengthen and lead one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.”

At the Junior International Cup, USA Football’s 15U and 17U Girls’ and Boys’ National Teams will compete against teams from Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama and South Korea. The Select Bowl is part of USA Football’s National Team Development Program, which fields Select Teams across several age divisions.

The week concludes with International Bowl from June 21–22, featuring the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams competing against Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel and Japan. The international friendlies will help the national teams prepare for competitions this summer, including when the women compete at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, and both teams defend their continental crowns at the 2025 IFAF Americas Continental Flag Football Championship.

All events follow the International Federation of American Football’s 5-on-5 rules that will be used in the Olympics.

“We’re grateful to host USA Football at Dignity Health Sports Park for the second year,” said Katie Pandolfo, general manager, Dignity Health Sports Park. “It’s an opportunity that reflects the flexibility of our site and its enduring role as a premier venue for athletic excellence. As we look ahead to LA28 and flag football’s Olympic debut, where we will host archery, rugby sevens, tennis, field hockey, and track cycling, this continued partnership underscores our commitment to supporting world-class competition and community engagement.”

Sam Rapoport Joins USA Football as Senior Advisor

USA Football has named Sam Rapoport as Senior Advisor. Rapoport is a longtime NFL league office executive known for her work behind the league’s gender equity movement and created the NFL Women’s Forum.

“Sam joining our team couldn’t come at a better time for USA Football,” said Hallenbeck. “She will be critical to our efforts as we bring Team USA Flag Football to the Olympics in 2028.”

Prior to spending the last decade with the NFL, Rapoport spent 2010—2016 with USA Football, leading the NFL Flag program and U.S. National Teams. Rapoport is a former football quarterback, playing flag and tackle disciplines her whole life. She previously led Team Canada to an international championship.

“I know first-hand the impact that football can have on and off the field and have dedicated my entire life to sharing that with others,” said Rapoport. “I’m thrilled to be working with USA Football again at such a critical time for the sport’s growth, especially with the increasing opportunities for girls and women.”