The Tribune

By JONATHAN BURROWS

Tribune Sports Reporter

jburrows@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Youth Flag Football League delivered a strong overall showing at the USA Flag World Championships, which concluded this weekend in Tampa, Florida, highlighted by a championship title from its 16U team.

Competing against hundreds of teams from across the United States and international programmes, The Bahamas was represented in the 9U, 12U and 16U divisions. Each group entered the weekend with high expectations, especially following the league’s recent history of success at the event.

As tournament play progressed, the 16U team continued to separate itself. In the championship game, The Bahamas 16U team delivered its most complete performance of the tournament. When the final whistle sounded, The Bahamas secured a 33-20 victory, claiming the USA Flag World Championships title in the 16U division.

After the opening day of competition, the teams showed mixed but encouraging results.

The 9U squad jumped out to a perfect 2-0 start, displaying strong organisation and energy in a field packed with experienced programmes.

The 12U team faced a tougher opening slate, finishing day one at 0-2, but remained competitive and resilient throughout their matchups.

The 16U team matched the 9U group’s early success, also closing the first day at 2-0 and positioning themselves as one of the top teams in their division.

The win marked a significant achievement for the BYFFL programme and continued its upward trajectory on the international youth flag football stage.

The league has been a regular participant in the USA Flag World Championships for many years, and last season’s 15U team set a high bar by finishing second overall.

This year’s championship run not only met those expectations but exceeded them. Founded with the goal of introducing young athletes to football in a structured, safe, and development-focused environment, the Bahamas Youth Flag Football League has grown steadily over the years.

What began as a grassroots initiative has evolved into one of the country’s premier youth football programmes, emphasizing fundamentals, discipline, teamwork and character development. The BYFFL has also become a key pipeline for athletes progressing into tackle football.

While the 16U title stood out as the headline team, the performances across all age groups reflected the continued growth of youth flag football in The Bahamas.

The early success of the 9U team and the competitiveness shown by the 12U group of players highlight the depth of talent being developed within the league.

As the teams return home, the weekend in Tampa will be remembered as another milestone for the Bahamas Youth Flag Football League.

With a championship trophy in hand and valuable experience gained at every level, the league’s presence at the USA Flag World Championships once again reinforced that Bahamian youth football can compete and get the victory on a global stage.