Athletes begin first U-23 flag football training camp for 2027 cycle

Forty athletes from 27 teams converged on Parque Ceret in São Paulo to begin a training camp, as reported. The two-day closed training sessions mark a crucial transition phase for the sport as the country builds toward the 2027 international cycle and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Parque CERET Hosts Elimination Training Camp

The weekend schedule at Parque CERET in São Paulo runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time, featuring rigorous evaluations overseen by the coaching staff. Metrópoles reported that the initial roster of 40 players representing clubs from across Brazil and international programs will be filtered down to a core group of 25 athletes at the conclusion of the camp. This trimmed squad will form the permanent preparation base for upcoming international competitions.

The Road to the Brasil Onças Roster

Following the initial cuts, the remaining 25 players will face another evaluation milestone in February. Head coach Lucas David explained that 12 athletes from this group will be selected to represent the Brasil Onças at the upcoming Torneio de Seleções Estaduais, an elite tournament organized by the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol Americano (CBFA). The State Selections Tournament will be, in fact, our first major test, Lucas David told Metrópoles. After this weekend’s camp, we will reach the final group of 25 players. In February, out of these 25, we will select 12 to represent Brasil Onças in the tournament. Following the state tournament, final adjustments will lock in the definitive 25-player roster for the Under-23 national program.

Talent Evaluation Beyond Conventional Statistics

The coaching staff faces the task of identifying versatile prospects who can eventually make the successful jump to the senior national team.

National Expansion Driven by Olympic Inclusion

Flag football continues to experience rapid growth throughout Brazil following the official decision by the International Olympic Committee to add the sport to the Olympic program for Los Angeles 2028. The sport’s domestic administration falls under the umbrella of the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol Americano, an organization affiliated with the Brazilian Olympic Committee that oversees both tackle and flag football disciplines nationwide.