Over 40 teams from across North America clashed at South Surrey’s adult flag football championship, marking Canada’s biggest event of its kind to date.
International Flag Football Championship Held in South Surrey
The British Columbia Adult Flag Football League (BCAFFL) hosted its second annual adult flag football championship at South Surrey Athletic Park on Sunday, July 27, drawing more than 40 teams from across North America. The event has quickly become the country’s largest international flag football competition.
Diverse Teams Drawn by Olympic Spotlight
Participants hailed from Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, competing in men’s, women’s, and co-ed divisions. According to BCAFFL vice-president Derek Slavin, the idea for the tournament was sparked by the International Olympic Committee’s 2023 announcement that flag football would debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. That moment, he says, lit the fuse for the league’s creation.
“We’re only a year and a half in existence,” said Slavin. “This is the largest international adult flag football tournament that’s ever been played in Canada.”
Local and Cross-Border Rivalries Heat Up the Field
The high-energy weekend saw teams like B.C.’s Ravens and California’s 7/11s battle in semi-final matchups that showcased elite athleticism and international sportsmanship. Though 42 teams had registered, one had to withdraw, leaving 41 to compete across the weekend.
Community Support Powers Growt
The championship was made possible through a partnership with Drew Kightley, president of the White Rock South Surrey Minor Football Association. His organizational support, Slavin emphasized, was pivotal in launching the BCAFFL and its flagship tournament.
“He’s like, let’s go. Let’s do this,” Slavin recalled. “We couldn’t do it without him.”
Building Toward a Bigger Future
The BCAFFL, which offers fall and spring leagues for athletes aged 18 to over 50, continues to grow. Plans are in motion for a potential senior men’s division as interest rises.
With Olympic momentum and growing community interest, flag football in British Columbia—and Canada at large—is clearly gaining ground.
To learn more about the BCAFFL or join the league, visit bcaffl.ca.
This article is original and written specifically for SurreySpeak.com
