Experience what it's like to prepare, train, and compete like a U.S. Flag National Team Athlete.
The Select Bowl brings together top rising flag athletes from across the country to train, perform, and elevate their game in front of U.S. National Team scouts.
As one of the premier events for the National Team Development Program, the Select Bowl delivers a high-performance environment where athletes compete and showcase their ability at the next level.
The pathway to the Select Bowl starts at a USA Football Talent ID Camp or Digital Combine, where athletes are evaluated for selection to a Select Team.
Athletes must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Youth Athlete ID to be eligible for a Talent ID, Digital Combine, the Select Bowl, or any other USA Football qualifying event. Youth Athlete IDs also include access to Digital Resources, Participant Accident Insurance, and more!
Sign up for a USA Football Talent ID Camp or Digital Combine and earn your opportunity to compete at the Select Bowl.
Whether you're just getting started, looking for an edge, or ready to showcase your skills in front of scouts—your pathway begins at a USA Football Talent ID Camp.
The Digital Combine on GMTM is your opportunity to get evaluated for the U.S. National Team. Complete drills from anywhere and prove you're ready to represent the United States on the international stage.
The National Team Development Program (NTDP) creates a pathway for flag football players, coaches, and officials across the country to elevate their skills through training, competitions, and other qualifying events.
To be eligible for the Select Bowl, athletes must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Youth Athlete ID ($35) and and participate in a Talent ID Camp or Digital Combine.
The Select Bowl is USA Football's premier 2026 championship event for the National Team Development Program, featuring 5-on-5 Olympic-style flag football.
Event Details:
Event Highlights:
National Team Development Program staff also work with athletes during the Select Bowl, covering off-season training, physical conditioning, mental performance, nutrition, hydration, and recovery.
Explore the training and competitions that make the Select Bowl a premier event for athletes, coaches, officials, and fans.
Select Team practices focus on skill development, improving strength and conditioning, and preparing athletes for the national stage.
Select Team athletes compete against top talent, receive elite coaching, and are evaluated using U.S. National Team standards.
Athletes will receive education on leadership, team building, and mental focus, and learn what it takes to perform at the highest level on and off the field.
During their time at the Select Bowl, athletes will work with professional staff and position experts to prepare for the rigors of national competition.
The Select Bowl competition uses a tournament-style format in which Select Teams compete within their age divisions to determine a champion in each division.
Every Select Team athlete receives USA Football swag and exclusive gear from Under Armour, the presenting partner of the Select Bowl and the official uniform partner of the U.S. Flag National Teams.
Check out a coach’s perspective on how the Select Bowl develops athletes and prepares them for the next level.
Follow a parent’s perspective on their athlete’s journey to a Select Team and what sets the Select Bowl apart.
See how an athlete describes their experience—from competition to development on the national stage.
The Select Bowl features over 20 Select Teams, each led by specially trained coaches.
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Get your TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Youth Athlete ID to be eligible for the National Team Development Program.
The Select Bowl provides parents and guardians the opportunity to give their Select Team athlete moments to celebrate and experience what it’s like to be a U.S. National Team athlete.
This premier event offers flag football players from across the country a chance to train, compete, and receive more evaluation and feedback as part of the National Team Development Program and the pathway to the U.S. National Team.
View the frequently asked questions if you want to learn more or if your athlete has received an invitation to this year's Select Bowl.
The Select Bowl allows coaches to join the National Team Development Program pathway and become the next generation of coaches eligible for the U.S. Flag National Team.
Coaches may have the opportunity to mentor across different ages, regions, and/or genders, enhancing the development of both athletes and coaches starting at Talent ID Camps. These camps will allow coaches to demonstrate their skills to be evaluated for Select Teams and other USA Football coaching opportunities.
To be considered, coaches must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Coach ID ($54.50), complete the Advanced Flag Course and SafeSport training, take an NCSI Background Check before participating in a USA Football Event and submitting your application (spots are limited, and final selection is not guaranteed).
Officiate at one of the premier events for the National Team Development Program.
At the Select Bowl, officials are placed in a high-performance environment, working alongside experienced crews and managing competitive games featuring top athletes from across the country.
This is an opportunity to apply your training, elevate your skills for assignors, and take the next steps on the pathway for officials.
To officiate, you must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Official ID ($44.50), complete the Flag Officials Course and SafeSport training, and pass an NCSI Background Check (if not previously officiated at a Talent ID Camp or NTDP qualifying event). Spots are limited, final selection is not guaranteed, and all requirements must be completed to be eligible.
As the National Governing Body, USA Football is dedicated to growing the game through education, training, and competitive opportunities.
The Select Bowl creates more opportunites athletes, coaches, and officials to raise their game through the National Team Development Program.
USA Football is the only organization to select, train, and lead TEAM USA FOOTBALL®, representing the United States in the highest levels of national and international competition.
The National Team Development Program and its Select Teams are an exclusive, in-depth experience where you will be pushed to your next level and exposed to National Team-caliber resources, development, and engagements. There will be a registration fee to participate on Select Teams.
If you are a parent or guardian of an athlete, you can schedule a time to talk to a National Team Development Program representative here.
If you are a coach or run a youth flag football program, you can schedule a time to talk to a National Team Development Program representative here.
The registration fee ($499) for the USA Football Select Bowl covers a high-level, all-inclusive experience to support athlete development and exposure. Here's what your athlete will receive:
Athletes are selected for the team through a highly competitive and thorough process. Players are evaluated at multiple USA Football qualifying events nationwide, including Talent ID Camps and Digital Combines.
USA Football scouts and coaches observe athletes closely and select the top talent based on a comprehensive set of criteria. This includes not just football skills and athletic ability but also important traits like coachability, attitude, effort, and overall potential. The goal is to build a team of well-rounded players representing the best of the best across the country.
The age cutoff is December 31, 2026, meaning whatever age the athlete is at this time is the division they will be placed in. For example, the age limit is 12 or younger as of December 31, 2026 to qualify for the 12U division. If an athlete is currently 12 and turns 13 later this year, he or she will qualify for the 14U division.
There are 4 teams per age group, each consisting of 12 athletes, for a total of 48 athletes per age group:
The most convenient airport for attending the USA Football Select Bowl is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). LAX is approximately 18 miles north of the event venue, Dignity Health Sports Park, at 18400 Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746.
There is no specific team hotel; however, USA Football service personnel will send hotel links for parents and athletes to stay at a slightly discounted rate. It is not required for parents and athletes to stay at these hotels; you are welcome to stay wherever you would like.
To be evaluated and considered to coach a Select Team, you must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Coach ID ($54.50), pass the Advanced Flag Course, complete SafeSport training, and take an NCSI Background Check before participating in a USA Football Event and submitting your application (spots are limited, and final selection is not guaranteed).
USA Football is committed to providing quality instruction and resources to build the present and future of elite flag football. Coaches may coach other ages, regions, or genders to support opportunities and growth for athletes and coaches.
While National Team coaches or athletes may participate in this space, the only camps that count as U.S. National Team Qualifying Events or that make you eligible for a Select Team are Talent ID Camps operated by USA Football.
USA Football invites around 60 men and 60 women to the Adult U.S. Flag National Team Trials. Approximately 36 boys and 36 girls are invited per division (15U and 17U) to the Junior U.S. Flag National Team Trials.
Athletes who participate in this year's Select Bowl will be eligible for the 2026 National Team Trials, which may have different participant numbers.