Ghana eyes Flag Football at 2028 Olympics
Ghana is making strides towards participating in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, thanks to a collaborative effort by youth-centred sports NGO Titans of Africa and international NGO Kilesworld Foundation.
The two organisations hosted a one-day flag football clinic on December 26 at the University of Ghana, Legon Sports Stadium, aimed at grooming young talents for the sport's Olympic debut.
Over 100 children, aged between six and 18, participated in the clinic, which featured fitness regimens, speed and agility training, and flag football lessons. The initiative began four years ago with the goal of introducing Ghanaians to the American sport and nurturing talent for future international competitions.
John Lewis, an Atlanta-based fitness and agility trainer, emphasised the importance of developing skills and identifying athletic potential in the youth.
“We are looking for these young kids to have a little bit of skills, to be coachable, and have the speed, agility, and athleticism to play flag football,” Lewis told *Graphic Sports Online*. He expressed optimism about Ghana making history as the first African country to debut athletes in flag football at the Olympics.
The clinic also highlighted the ongoing development efforts by Titans of Africa. Mohammed Osman Nkosi, the organisation’s president and co-founder, shared his vision for expanding the initiative across all 16 regions of Ghana to scout and refine top talent.
“This invitational flag football clinic will see talents selected and their skills further honed for the national cause,” Nkosi said. He revealed that the organisation provided shoes and kits to participants, ensuring they had the necessary equipment for the training.
Nkosi also expressed gratitude to Kilesworld Foundation and other stakeholders for supporting the development camp, describing it as a memorable and impactful event.
About Flag football
Flag football is a non-contact variant of American football played with 5-7 players per team. Instead of tackling, players aim to remove a flag from their opponent’s belt to end a play. The sport is characterised by its fast pace and focus on agility, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
The clinic marks an important step in Ghana’s efforts to prepare for the Los Angeles Olympics, where flag football will be featured for the first time. As the country looks to harness young talent, initiatives like these provide a foundation for Ghana to make a strong impression on the global stage.
With plans for further regional clinics and the commitment of key stakeholders, Ghana is positioning itself as a pioneer for flag football in Africa, carrying the hopes of a nation eager to shine at the 2028 Olympics.