Flag football is now played by 20 million people in more than 100 countries and the rapid growth of the women’s game was key to it becoming one of five optional sports for LA28.

The sport has been backed heavily by the NFL, which aims to help it earn selection for Brisbane 2032 too.

The decision is due before the end of 2026 so flag football could head into its Olympic debut knowing it will feature in back-to-back Games.

Participation has boomed in Australia and scores of athletes are switching from Australian rules football, netball and rugby, while the American team has recruited basketball players.

GB’s Brittany Botterill (football/softball), Phoebe Schecter (equestrian), Marta Mathews (football), Jochebed Frimpong (athletics), Jess Allen (badminton) and Angelica Tait (athletics/snowboarding) all competed in other sports before playing flag football.

US-born Emily Kemp even became an ultimate frisbee world champion last year, in the same summer she helped GB win the flag Euros.

“We are an elite team already, we’re a potential medal threat at LA28, but we’re really aspirational so we’re looking to widen our talent pool,” said Chad Ehlertsen, chief executive of the British American Football Association (Bafa).

“If you look at the top flag players around the world, they’ve generally come from certain sports. They have good hand-eye coordination, agility, speed, decision-making under pressure. These are the qualities we’re looking for.

“In many ways we’re not looking for elite flag players, we’re looking for elite athletes that have the potential [to transfer] and then our coaches will help them understand the game.”

Should England add Ethan Bamber to their battery of seam bowlers in Test cricket?

The Warwickshire star, 27, was the leading County Championship wicket-taker in the country in 2026, with his 69 scalps at an average of 19.39 helping the Bears to the Division One title.

Bamber is an Ollie Robinson figure as opposed to a Jofra Archer one, relying on skill and nagging accuracy rather than pace and hostility.

But with it now in vogue for wicketkeepers to stand up close to the stumps to seamers wobbling the ball, perhaps Bamber has a chance of a maiden international call-up?

Bamber for England? ‘Never say never…’

Sky Sports’ Michael Atherton said on the England prospects of the former Middlesex man, who has 308 scalps in 89 first-class matches at an average below 27: “A few years ago, you’d have said no – a bowler of 78, 80 miles an hour, wobbling it about.

“But now everybody’s keen on the wobble seam and the wicketkeeper standing up. So never say never. I wouldn’t imagine so but I see him as a very, very good county bowler.

“England have got Ollie Robinson there at the moment and they’ll always have one of those fellas in the mix, won’t they?

“Whether it’s Robinson or Sam Cook, who seems to be kind of Robinson’s understudy at the moment, so you could see Bamber maybe in that role.

“He’s a cracking kid and somebody who wants to get absolutely the most out of every little bit of talent that he’s got.

“He moved to Warwickshire with ambitions to go to a club that’s challenging for things and is making the most of what he’s got.”

Bamber brushed off the likelihood of international honours while speaking to Cricinfo at the recent Professional Cricketers’ Association awards in London, saying: “If that ship was ever in the harbour, it’s definitely sailed now.

“What I’m thinking of is how I can contribute next year for Warwickshire, and try to help us continue to be successful moving forward. That’s really what makes me a bit nervous and excited.”

There’s definitely a role for his sort of bowler. He doesn’t miss. He’s as skilful as anyone around. I think if there’s a gap for him, he would definitely do a great job. He’s very humble and says that ship has sailed, but I don’t agree.

‘Archer at peak of his powers – now the leader of the attack’

England’s attack starred during the 3-0 rout of Pakistan this summer, with Robinson bagging 21 wickets at an average below nine and Archer 12 at 26.66.

Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue also played their part, while Cook, Sonny Baker and Matthew Fisher are back-up options.

The quicks will return to red-ball cricket from December 17, live on Sky Sports, for a three-Test series in South Africa – Stephen Fleming’s first assignment as head coach.

Former England seamer Chris Woakes, speaking at the launch of the ECB’s ‘Cricket for Teachers’ initiative, told Sky Sports News: “The bowling attack looks great, plenty of depth.

“Robinson has come back in and done fantastically well – South Africa will be a different challenge but he has the skills to succeed.

“The beauty of Jofra is that he has played a lot of cricket over the last few years and stayed injury-free – he looks as fit as ever and is kind of the leader of the attack now.

“He has matured a lot as a bowler and a person. He is at the peak of his powers and wants to be playing his best Test cricket.

“His best is ahead of him.”

Watch England’s three-Test series in South Africa, featuring games in Johannesburg, Centurion and Cape Town, live on Sky Sports Cricket from December 17. Check out the latest Sky Sports deals or stream no contract with NOW – cancel anytime.