Thanks to the Super Bowl, the American sport of football has now arrived in Germany. However, very few people know that the contactless variant of flag football will be Olympic starting in 2028 and will take place in Los Angeles for the first time. That’s why the Bavarian association AFVBy initiated the Play Football Day to give those interested the opportunity to try it out and get a taste of it.
There is a lot of activity in the TV 1861 gymnasium. Many children came with their parents to get an idea of flag football. Various stations have been set up so that the fringe sport can be tried out in its different elements. The offer is aimed at both the youngest and adults interested.
Jan Schweda, initiator and future head of the flag football department, welcomes the arriving participants at the first station. The first exercise consists of catching the football correctly. Both the Ingolstadt professionals and the coaches of the flag football teams take part in the various stations and show the most important tricks and tips. Unlike American football, flag football uses belts with two flags tied around the stomach. Pulling the flag replaces physical contact with the opponent and is therefore the less-injury version of the otherwise physical sport.
Fun is the main thing in flag football
There is running, throwing and laughing. The atmosphere is relaxed and the focus is clearly on fun. That’s what’s special about flag football. Both the teams and the spectators are characterized by fair, friendly interactions with one another. You won’t find ambitious parents shouting on the sidelines. “It’s really fun,” says a boy, and then he rushes off to the next station.
Five years ago, flag football was founded by Jan Schweda, a former American footballer, in Ingolstadt. Since then, the department has consisted of five teams. The striking thing about the faster version of football is the mixed teams. Due to the contactless game, both players form a team together.
Sports are becoming increasingly popular
The sport is enjoying growing popularity in Ingolstadt. The U11 of the Ingolstadt Dukes qualified for the final tournament in Königsbrunn this weekend and are fighting for the Bavarian championship in this age group. The Dukes’ offspring are in the starting blocks, the U9s have registered for active play for the first time since this year.
On April 20th there will be another opportunity to get to know this unique sport. As part of “Running Kids”, the club introduces itself in Klenzepark and takes part in the program with its stations. If you just want to watch, you can support and cheer on the Dukes flag footballers in Ingolstadt on May 4th and 5th.
DK
Unlike American football, flag football uses belts with two flags tied around the stomach.
2024-03-13 08:25:34
#flag #football #Ingolstadt #Dukes #participating #clubs
