In a groundbreaking move to enhance Israel’s standing in the global sports arena, the American Football in Israel (AFI) federation has launched an ambitious new initiative aimed at preparing Israel’s national flag football teams for the 2028 Olympic Games. (Yes, flag football is now an Olympic sport!) This initiative invites Jewish athletes from around the world to join the men’s and women’s flag football teams, participate in a talent identification camp, and compete for a spot on Israel’s Olympic team.

Flag football is a rapidly growing sport, and its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics represents a significant opportunity for countries to showcase their athletic talent. For Israel, this new initiative is not just about flag football—it’s about building a bridge to the global Jewish sports community while maintaining a deep connection to Israel’s identity and history.

Currently, Israel’s flag football teams are performing well on the international stage. The men’s national team is ranked eighth globally, while the women’s team stands at 17th. These rankings come off the heels of Israel’s strong showing at the 2024 International Flag Football Federation (IFAF) Flag Football World Championship held in Finland, where the men’s team finished with an impressive 7-1 record, losing only to Canada. The women’s team had only two losses, and demonstrated resilience and skill, gaining invaluable international experience.

Despite their successes, both teams are focused on improving and are looking to build on their recent performances in preparation for future events, including the Olympic Games. The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles represents a prime opportunity to elevate Israel’s flag football teams to the highest level.

July 2025: Talent Identification Camp

The heart of this new initiative is the talent identification camp set to begin in July 2025. Over the course of the month, athletes—20 male and 20 female—will live in Israel, training under the supervision of national team coaches and players. This immersive experience will allow the athletes to experience life in Israel while receiving top-notch training and evaluation from national team coaching staff.

With applications now open for the 2025 talent identification camp, AFI is encouraging Jewish athletes from around the world to take advantage of this exciting opportunity. Applications are now being accepted online at https://israelflagfootball.com

During the camp, athletes will be evaluated for their potential to join the national teams for future competitions. As Matt Kenny, the head coach of the men’s national team, explained, “This is a talent identification camp, just like they do in other parts of the world. We want the best athletes to represent Israel and help us win the gold.”

The camp will serve as the first step for athletes to earn a spot on the team for upcoming events, including the 2025 European Continental Championships, the 2026 World Championships and ultimately, the 2028 Olympics. While athletes who participate in the 2025 camp may not be eligible for the European Championships later that year, the program will continue to support their development and provide future opportunities to join the team for international tournaments.

One of the most exciting aspects of this initiative is its inclusivity. AFI is not limiting the camp to players with a background in flag football; rather, athletes from a wide range of sports are encouraged to apply. “Any good athlete, even without experience in flag football, is welcome,” said Kenny. In fact, some of the stars of the national team could come from sports like basketball, soccer, or even competitive Frisbee. This broad approach ensures that athletes with diverse skill sets are considered, potentially bringing new talent and fresh energy to the sport.

The goal is to identify the best athletes with the potential to succeed in flag football, regardless of their previous experience. To that end, the camp will offer participants not only world-class coaching but also the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of flag football, a sport that combines strategy, speed and teamwork in unique ways.

The long-standing Rockland Flag Football League in the U.S., which has produced dozens of talented athletes over the past 30 years, is one potential pool of players for the national team. A similar source is Israel’s Yeshiva Leagues, which have been a staple of flag football in the country for three decades, with many players fondly remembering their time on the field.

While the opportunity to represent Israel on the international stage is incredibly exciting, AFI understands that cost can be a barrier for many athletes. In an effort to make this program accessible, AFI is currently in discussions with various organizations to secure funding and sponsorships. The goal is to keep the cost of participation under $1,000 per athlete, which will cover travel, accommodation and training expenses.

Moreover, AFI is also welcoming scholarship donations to support this initiative. These contributions will go directly to helping athletes participate in the talent identification camp, furthering AFI’s mission of making flag football a central part of Israel’s Olympic ambitions.

The roots of American football in Israel can be traced back to the early 1980s when a group of American expatriates, including this author, introduced the sport to the country. Over the decades, American football has evolved into a legitimate sport with a national federation, growing teams and a diverse player base from all walks of life in Israel.

In addition to its flag football program, AFI has enjoyed success in other areas of American football. AFI’s vision for American football’s future is rooted in a commitment to excellence and a desire to keep Israel on the map as a competitive force in international sports.

As Kenny said, “This is an exciting opportunity for any Jewish athlete who wants to represent Israel, learn about the country, and help us win a gold medal at the Olympics.”

For more information and to apply, visit: https://israelflagfootball.com

To speak with Coach Kenny directly: [email protected]

Arnie Draiman is a philanthropic consultant helping people and foundations give their tzedaka money away wisely, efficiently and effectively for over 25 years. In addition, he consults to hi-tech startups, is an expert in social media marketing and promotion and is indeed the founder of American football in Israel. He can be reached at: [email protected]