EAGAN, Minn. – USA Football will hold a training camp for its 15U and 17U U.S. Boys' and Girls' National Teams at Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center, the headquarters and training facility of the Minnesota Vikings. The training camp will be held from April 3-6 in advance of a second training camp later in the spring.
"We are proud to host USA Football's U.S. Junior National Teams as they prepare to represent our country in international competition," said Vikings Vice President of Social Impact Brett Taber. "This is an exciting time for flag football as the sport sees exponential growth in advance of its Olympic debut in 2028. The Vikings are dedicated to growing the game and providing pathways to play in Minnesota and the surrounding states, and this is an excellent opportunity to further support that growth and increase visibility for the opportunities that exist for both boys and girls."
USA Football, the governing body of American Football in the United States, selects, trains and leads the U.S. National Teams at the junior and adult levels for international competitions, including when flag football makes its Olympic debut on home soil in Los Angeles in 2028.
The 17U U.S. Boys' National Team will hold joint practices and international friendlies against Israel's 17U Boys' National Team on April 3-4. The international collaboration provides the 17U teams with a chance to experience new cultures while developing their elite skills for future global competitions.
"The Vikings and the Wilf family have gone above and beyond to grow the game at all levels in Minnesota. Providing this premier opportunity for our U.S. Junior National Teams at their world-class facility is just the latest example," said USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck. "We greatly appreciate the Vikings for making such a generous contribution toward the training camp's success as we continue developing players who may represent our country when flag football debuts in the 2028 Summer Olympics.
"Additionally, our staff is eager to welcome Israel's 17U Boys' National Team to the U.S. for an international friendly," Hallenbeck added. "As we continue preparing for LA28, USA Football is working with football governing bodies around the world to lead the sport's growth and support the creation of more developmental and competitive events."
USA Football hosts U.S. National Team Trials in March. Eighteen athletes per division will receive invitations to attend the training camp in Minnesota. After the event, U.S. National Team coaches and staff will select the final 12-athlete rosters that will travel to USA Football's Junior International Cup in June. The remaining athletes will serve as alternates.
USA Football's Junior International Cup is an annual tournament that features the best 15U and 17U National Teams from around the world. The 2024 Junior International Cup held in Los Angeles included teams from Canada, Japan, Mexico, Panama and the U.S. The 2025 Junior International Cup is slated to return to Los Angeles in June.
Flag football's popularity is exploding in the U.S. in advance of the 2028 Olympics. According to USA Football research, the number of boys and girls ages 6-17 playing flag football increased 38% from 2014-23, reaching a peak of more than 1.6 million this past year. Flag football is a sanctioned high school varsity sport for girls in 13 states and college scholarship opportunities exist at NAIA universities.
About USA Football: USA Football is the governing body of American Football in the United States. As a Recognized Sports Organization of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the sole U.S. member of the International Federation of American Football, USA Football selects, trains and leads the U.S. National Teams 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.
