IFAF asked three Czechia coaches whose youth teams will open the IFAF European Youth Flag Football Championships in Innsbruck on Thursday for their thoughts ahead of the competition.
“We are truly excited to compete in Austria,” said Michaela Rom, head coach of Czechia’s U15 mixed team. “For many of our players this will be their very first international tournament, so the emotions are strong – pride, nerves, and a huge sense of opportunity.
“We’ve worked hard through our preparation camps and everyone is eager to test themselves against Europe’s best. Representing our country is always special and doing it in a setting like Innsbruck makes it even more memorable.”
Rom met her husband when she was coaching club flag football and he was a football player and she was a cheerleader. In 2014 they started coaching flag football together, and a year later moved into different youth categories.
Among the highlights of Rom’s coaching career are the silver medal from the 2023 IFAF European Championship in Grosseto, Italy, and the consistent success of her club teams.
When it comes to the potential of playing in the Olympic Games, all three Czechia coaches see that as great motivation and also a catalyst for the overall development of flag football.
“I believe that many girls from this championship will have the chance to be seen at the Olympic Games in 2028,” says Nikola Vokurková, head coach of the U17 girls who also plays for the Czechia women’s national team. “Every year, more and more teams from all over Europe join, and thanks to that, flag football can continue to grow in quality worldwide.”
Under 17 boys head coach Bohuslav Rom says: “Every year new teams and nations join, which raises the level of competition and gives our athletes valuable international experience. Tournaments like this are key stepping stones for young players who may have the chance to represent their countries at the Olympic Games in 2028.”
Michaela Rom agrees: “It is hugely important. For our players, competing here is not only about results but also about becoming role models of flag football in Czechia. With the sport heading to the Olympics, this tournament is a chance to inspire a new generation of kids back home to join flag football. It also raises the level of the game in our country – bringing back experience, motivation, and international standards that help us grow.”
As for Czechia’s chances of winning more medals at the upcoming Euros, all three coaches agree that team spirit will be one of their strengths as they take on Europe’s best young flag football athletes.
