The IFAF European Youth Flag Football Championships have officially kicked off in Italy with an impressive Opening Ceremony, led by the Minister for Sports and Youth, Andrea Abodi. The championships are scheduled to run from today until Sunday at La Fattoria La Principina in Grosseto.

Now the competition gets serious, with more than 400 athletes representing 12 nations taking the field at La Principina Farm in Grosseto in pursuit of the Under 15 and Under 17 continental titles. The event, made possible with the support of the Department for Sports of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, was officially opened on Thursday night with a packed Opening Ceremony, attended by Minister Abodi. He surprised the audience as he arrived to the enthusiastic singing of the Italian national anthem, belted out by the young participants.

Minister Abodi shared an embrace with Leoluca Orlando, President of the Italian Federation of American Football (FIDAF), whom he affectionately called ‘a friend.’ He expressed his emotions at addressing a fully engaged audience of young athletes, saying: “I have the honor of being the Minister for Sports and Youth, and that’s why being here with all of you tonight is the pinnacle of my ministry.

“On behalf of myself and the government I represent, I welcome the 11 participating countries to Italy. I strongly wanted to be here today, even if only briefly, because I realized it was important, especially for me, to share your joy, your freshness, your smiles, and above all, your passion for such a wonderful sport as Flag Football.”

All 12 participating nations (Austria, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Israel, Great Britain, Finland, the Netherlands, and Italy) took to the stage with their national teams, singing their respective national anthems and getting emotional, marking the start of a grand celebration that will now shift to the playing fields.

Many of the matches will be broadcast live on the official channel of the International Federation with LIVE results and photos at the dedicated event website: https://italia.fidaf.org/eyffc2023/