Players from flag football club Thanet Mustangs recall GB summer glory at under-17 European Junior Championships and hope sport makes cut for 2028 Olympic Games

By Jodie Nesling

Flag football club Thanet Mustangs are hoping for the ultimate boost for their sport - Olympic recognition.

The club, founded in 2021 during lockdown, have already tasted success on the international stage with four of their members helping GB’s girls to gold at the under-17 European Junior Championship in Italy this summer.

A non-contact version of American football, flag football is gaining popularity as an inclusive sport. Instead of tackling, players have to grab an opponent’s flag attached to their clothing as they move forward with the ball to try and score a touchdown.

Now, with a two-minute commercial in this year’s Super Bowl half-time break - the world’s most lucrative TV advertising slot - flag football is under consideration for Los Angeles 2028 and could be joining the established sports of athletics, swimming, rowing, diving and gymnastics among others.

Matilda Deakins from Whitstable was part of the under-17 team that won gold, beating the hosts 19-6. Team spirit, she thinks, was crucial to their success.

“We actually lost our first game against Italy,” she said.

“But I really believe that helped us win overall. We began to support each other during matches much more and it made a huge difference.

“It was an anxious wait before we were announced winners. It was crazy. I didn’t know where to look - everyone was congratulating us.”

Fellow Team GB player Darna Kelleher, from Westgate, says the sport has transformed her life.

“I could talk about flag football forever,” she said.

“We met so many amazing people in Italy - both personally and professionally - and we learned a lot.”

The 14-year-old joined the Mustangs two years ago to help with socialising.

“I was withdrawn from mainstream