Seven teams representing five International Federation of American Football (IFAF) member federations will compete in the first-ever flag football tournament at the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026 from April 17-19. IFAF asked Brazil U17 girls head coach Anderson Ibanez for his thoughts on the upcoming games. Coach Ibanez been a flag football coach since 2019, working with both men's and women's teams. He currently coaches Leme Lizardas and Caipiras. In tackle football, he worked as a position coach between 2019 and 2023. What are your hopes for the tournament? “Our expectation is to put on an excellent championship and to use this opportunity to spread flag football even further — especially the youth flag and women's flag, which is extremely strong in our country.” What has the team done to prepare and what was the selection process for the U17 team? “The team has been preparing since last year, with youth training camps. At the start of this year, we intensified our activities with both in-person and online sessions focused on the called-up athletes, as well as other players in the age group. Our goal is always to grow and improve the sport as a whole.” Who are some of the players we should watch out for? “Our female squad is full of talents who can surprise throughout the championship. However, two names stand out: Dhenise Aquilas on the defensive side, who had an outstanding U20 championship in 2025, and Mariana Bley on the offensive side, who really impressed us during training sessions and competed in the regional team tournaments representing Paraná. She is proving to be a player with great potential in the country.” What do you think about flag football now being an Olympic sport and has that created more interest in Brazil? “Flag football becoming an Olympic sport was a huge step for the entire community — a dream come true. The visibility has increased even before the Games take place. Combined with the sport's growing structure in Brazil — through the CBFA, state federations, and clubs — the tendency is for even greater growth in the coming years.
“We hope this first international championship serves as a showcase and an inspiration for all athletes and youth programs across the country. As mentioned, our main goal with the national team's youth programs is the development of the sport and giving children and teenagers the chance to experience something different and special.”
Photo: Yan Barros
