Australia names junior flag football squads for 2026 LA Summer Series

American Football Australia has named its U15 & U17 junior flag football squads for the upcoming 2026 Summer Series in Los Angeles to take place June 17-21.

Set to travel to the USA and represent Australia are 50 junior female and male athletes.

Following the AFA Junior Flag Football National Championships in March at Blacktown International Sportspark, each athlete was individually selected by AFA's high performance committee in recognition of their talent, hard work and exceptional attitude towards athletic excellence.

After attending in 2025, Australian junior squads are back at the Summer Series in LA for a second consecutive year.

U15 Boys Defensive Coordinator Natsuko Nakajima, who coached Queensland's U15 Boys to back-to-back undefeated national titles in 2025 and 2026, is in her first year coaching at AFA national level.

Having watched the program develop up close, Nakajima sees the standard rising fast.

"The standard has jumped noticeably from 2025 to 2026. The games are more structured, the players are more confident, and they're picking up the game faster than ever. You can see it in the coaches too, they're clearer and more effective in how they build teams. The program is improving quickly."

Speaking on the value of the trip for young Australian players, Wade Kelly, AFA CEO said:

"Our long-term commitment to the Junior Australian Flag Program, now in its second year, continues to provide an outstanding experience for our athletes, coaches, and staff. The chance to travel to Los Angeles and compete against top international teams, including Japan, Mexico, Panama, and our esteemed hosts and partners at USA Football, is both motivating and immensely valuable for all involved."

Thanking those who make the trip possible, Kelly added:

"I want to sincerely thank parents and staff for their continued support in making this opportunity a reality. A special thank you to Mike Cuzzone and his exceptional team at USA Football for hosting a world-class event. On behalf of the Chairman and the AFA Board, we extend our best wishes to all participants for a successful and unforgettable experience."

Australia’s national junior flag football squads will depart Australia June 16 for the 2026 LA Summer Series.

AUSTRALIAN FLAG FOOTBALL GIRLS U15 SQUAD

• Mia Attridge

• Katahra Boyle-Raniga

• Teiki Christopher

• Macy English

• Matilda Harris

• Chloe Helling

• Jada Keen

• Mikaela Khan

• Baylee Maaka

• Heidi Oswald

• Lucia Wolff

• Lucia Zagora

AUSTRALIAN FLAG FOOTBALL BOYS U15 SQUAD

• Hendrix Blinksell

• Kane Buchanan

• Beau Duncan

• Oliver Flaherty

• Ollie Horne

• Felix Hunt

• Piripi Hunt

• Kingston Laulu

• Cody McDowall

• Kordell Opetaia

• Dexter Pachinger

• Lucas Peoples

• Hayden Snell

AUSTRALIAN FLAG FOOTBALL GIRLS U17 SQUAD

• Anastacia Batista

• Isla Devlin

• Amalee Doyle

• Scarlett Hoerr

• Tallara Joseph-Riogi

• Layla Kellar Bridgart

• Sophie Luchterhand

• Marli Mayne

• Zara Nicholson

• Haven Rodgers

• Brodee Sunerton

• Edon Teraitua

• Charlotte Withers

AUSTRALIAN FLAG FOOTBALL BOYS U17 SQUAD

• Eroni Camaivuna

• Luke Cullen

• Kallan Dickson

• Harrison Duvall

• Adam Eveleigh

• Bronson Hayes

• Kruz Hola

• Zavier Ngauamo

• Charlie Ravouvou

• Jackson Te Amo

• Jaxon Willis

• Gabriel Wood

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American Football Australia (AFA) is the national governing body for American Football in Australia, recognised by the Australian Sports Commission and a full member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF). AFA is responsible for national competitions and the development of Australian national teams across both tackle and flag football.