Japan Flag Football Association Launches Free Expert Instructor Dispatch Program for Schools Ahead of LA 2028 Olympics

The Japan Flag Football Association, with a grant from the Suzuki Michio Memorial Foundation, is launching the "Flag Football Instructor Dispatch Program" for elementary, junior high, high, and special needs schools nationwide.

Under this program, professional instructors will be dispatched free of charge to schools to help introduce and facilitate flag football sessions during physical education classes. The association will cover all honorariums and travel expenses for the instructors, and will also provide the balls and flags used in the classes to the schools in advance.

Applications are currently being accepted for sessions in June and July for schools wishing to hold the program during the first semester.

About Flag Football Flag football is a safe, low-contact sport derived from American football. Players stop the opposing team's advance by pulling a flag worn at the waist, which eliminates the need for tackles or heavy contact, allowing students to participate with peace of mind.

Moreover, flag football ensures that every player has a role—such as devising strategies, throwing, catching, or carrying the ball, and supporting teammates. It is characterized by its ability to engage diverse students, not just those who excel at sports, enabling them to learn collaboratively and showcase their individuality.

It has been confirmed as an additional sport for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and recent years have seen increased attention in educational settings as its adoption in school physical education classes spreads.

Free Dispatch of Expert Instructors to Schools Nationwide This program offers approximately two sessions per school for elementary, junior high, high, and special needs schools across the country.

Instructors will include individuals experienced in teaching flag football, former national team athletes, and university faculty specializing in physical education. Classes will be conducted so that students can enjoy and learn even at schools tackling flag football for the first time.

Implementation Overview ■ Eligible Schools All elementary, junior high, high, and special needs schools in Japan.

Cost Free *The association covers instructor honorariums and travel expenses.

Program Details Approximately two sessions per school.

Dispatch Period Until mid-March 2027 *Subject to change depending on instructor availability.

Instructors Experienced teachers, former national athletes, and university physical education faculty.

Equipment Balls and flags will be sent to the school in advance.

How to Apply Applications are submitted by schools. Interested parties should apply via the form below. Currently accepting applications for sessions in June and July. Information regarding the second semester will be provided at a later date.

Application Form: https://forms.gle/R3o5Z8huWyYUfMkq5

About the Japan Flag Football Association The Japan Flag Football Association engages in activities to spread the enjoyment of sports and the power of collaborative teamwork through the promotion and development of flag football. They strive to deliver the value of flag football nationwide through outreach in schools, improvement of the competitive environment, and player development.

Contact Information Japan Flag Football Association Secretariat E-mail: [email protected]