The Sorocaba Braves from São Paulo are representing Brazil in the NFL Flag international tournament at this weekend’s NFL Pro Bowl and despite their relatively recent introduction to flag football, are excited to take on opposition from around the world.
“Our kids with no experience took about two months to learn the basics of flag football, explains the Braves coach. “Since they have never taken part in tournaments, they are acting naturally but focused on the goal of having a good campaign. Most parents are joining the trip; they are the ones who are really anxious about the magnitude of the event.”
The Braves showed no sign of inexperience or nerves and calmed their parents’ angst as they opened the tournament with a 14-6 win over Kingsway Academy from the Bahamas.
The Brazilian Confederation of American Football (CBFA) flag football project began in 2015 as tackle football players and newcomers were introduced to the sport. Having qualified to compete at the Pro Bowl through a tournament organized by NFL Flag in partnership with CBFA, the Braves traveled to Orlando with little knowledge of their opponents, but plenty of belief in their abilities.
“Our work with flag football involves much more than passing the ball and pulling flags,” added coach. “We focus on social education, teamwork, respect for others, responsibility, and having a lot of fun. All of this mix makes playing flag engaging.”
Brazil is traditionally considered a soccer hotbed, being the home of the game’s most famous player, Pele, and having won the most FIFA World Cup titles. Some of the team’s youngsters come from that background and from other popular sports.
“We noticed that those who play handball, basketball, and volleyball have more skills to be good offensive players,” coach added. “Soccer players are more agile and have better movement skills. Athletes who do martial arts have an easier time playing the ball and attacking the flags, so we use them more on our defense.”
The Brazilians take on Germany’s Realschule, from Taufkirchen, Munich, and Japan’s Nojima Sagamihara Rise from Tokyo before entering Saturday’s knockout stages.
