USA FOOTBALL & INDIANAPOLIS COLTS TO HOST FLAG FOOTBALL TALENT ID CAMP SUPPORTED BY GOLIC FAMILY FOUNDATION
Talent ID Camps help identify the best athletes across the country for opportunities with the U.S. Flag Football National Team. Golic Family Foundation covers registration fees for USA Football Athlete Members.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. – USA Football, in partnership with the Indianapolis Colts, is hosting a USA Football Talent ID Camp on Sunday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Grand Park Sports Campus at 19000 Grand Park Blvd. in Westfield. USA Football Athlete Members are receiving free registration for the event courtesy of the Golic Family Foundation. Notre Dame graduate, former NFL defensive lineman and sports media host Mike Golic Sr. is a member of USA Football’s board of directors.
USA Football is the sport’s first-ever National Governing Body responsible for fielding the U.S. National Teams for international competition, including the 2028 Olympics. Talent ID Camps are part of USA Football’s National Team Development Program, which serves as the primary pathway for flag football players aged 11-23 to level up their skills and compete for a Select Team roster spot and future U.S. National Team Trials invitations.
“Now as the sport’s official National Governing Body, USA Football is expanding its efforts to identify talent from coast to coast and beyond as we set new developmental and competitive standards,” said USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck. "We greatly appreciate the continued support of Christine and Mike Golic Sr. through the Golic Family Foundation and the Colts as flag football’s Olympic debut draws closer. Their generosity ensures the next generation has more opportunities than ever before to play America’s favorite sport.”
Talent ID Camp participants are eligible to receive invitations to join Select Teams or attend future U.S. National Team Trials at the adult, 15U or 17U levels. This is the final of 15 Talent ID Camps USA Football is holding this cycle to identify athletes capable of upholding our country's gold medal standard.
“Football has been a cornerstone in our family's life, shaping who we are both on and off the field. We're proud to support USA Football's Talent ID Camp and help provide young athletes with access to elite coaching, skill development, and the chance to chase their dreams on a national stage,” the Golic Family Foundation shared. “As the game evolves and gains Olympic recognition, it's our honor to play a small part in helping the next generation of players grow, compete, and represent their country with pride.”
Several collegiate women’s flag football coaches will be assisting with the camp, including Illinois Wesleyan University head coach Melissa Valenzuela, University of St. Francis head coach TJ Williams and Purdue Northwest University head coach Micah Lowe. Kenny Kuzmuk, who is the defensive coordinator for Franklin College’s men’s tackle program, will also assist with the camp. NAIA women’s flag football programs offer scholarship opportunities and compete for a national championship.
USA Football Talent ID Camps are one-day events that feature combine testing, 1-on-1 competitions & drills and Olympic-style 5v5 scrimmage & situational play. Talent ID Camps are designed to identify and develop the best flag football talent across the country as the sport grows worldwide and prepares for its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games.
Talent ID Camp participants receive elite coaching and feedback on their performance to help refine their skills and develop tools to become part of USA Football's National Team Development program and one day represent the U.S. in international competitions.
USA Football personnel will be on-site to evaluate top performing athletes for opportunities with the National Team Development Program’s Select Teams and the U.S. National Team. Athletes invited to join Select Teams will compete this summer at USA Football’s Select Bowl against other Select Teams chosen from regions across the country.
Flag football’s popularity is exploding in the U.S. According to USA Football research, the number of boys and girls ages 6-17 playing flag football increased 37% from 2015-24, reaching a peak of more than 1.7 million this past year. Flag football is a sanctioned high school varsity sport for girls in 14 states.
The Colts also have prioritized flag football to introduce the game to new players and fans, especially girls, who traditionally have not had the same opportunities to learn and play the game as boys.
Through their “Road to 100” campaign announced late last year, the Colts are advocating for girls flag football to become a sanctioned sport by the Indiana High School Athletic Association. As such, the Colts are recruiting and providing startup funding to the first 100 Indiana high schools to start a girls team. So far, 60 Indiana high schools have committed.
About USA Football: USA Football is the National Governing Body (NGB) for American Football in the United States and the sole U.S. member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), the international governing body for the sport of American football. USA Football selects, trains and leads Team USA in tackle and flag football disciplines, while delivering world-class football development resources, sport standards and competitive opportunities to empower athletes at every level. USA Football is committed to ensuring every athlete has access to develop and compete in the game through safer, inclusive and innovative pathways. For more information, visit usafootball.com.
About The Indianapolis Colts: The NFL’s Indianapolis Colts strive to entertain, inspire and unite fans and people throughout our city, our state and beyond by winning the right way. Since arriving in Indianapolis in 1984, the Colts have reached the NFL postseason 19 times, winning 11 division titles, two AFC Championships and Super Bowl XLI. In our 72-year history, the club has reached seven NFL championship games or Super Bowls, winning four – in 1958, 1959, 1970 and 2006. Off the field, the Colts are committed to improving the lives of our fellow Hoosiers by building a healthy, inclusive and compassionate community through meaningful outreach, projects and partnerships. The Colts also work with current and former players by engaging with them in charitable efforts, helping them leave a legacy of service to the community.