Ten-hut: Flag football tournament brings 700 athletes to Surrey
Published 3:00 pm Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Rain didn’t dampen spirits at South Surrey Athletic Park over the July 24 to 26 weekend as almost 700 athletes gathered for the third annual Pacific International Open flag football tournament.
Hosted by the B.C. Adult Flag Football League (BCAFFL), the three-day event welcomed 54 men’s, women’s, and co-ed teams across Canada, the United States and internationally to compete in 157 games across five fields.
League commissioner Greg Thomas said in an interview that the event continues to grow not only in size, but also in the sense of community it creates for players of all experience levels.
“The atmosphere that I feel we try to promote the most is of inclusivity and community,” explained Thomas. “We want to bring everyone together in a positive, safe space and allow people to be active and enjoy a sense of belonging.”
While athletes battled for championship titles, the tournament offered a festival-like atmosphere for players and spectators alike.
Music from DJs filled the parks throughout the weekend, with teams dancing between games, cheering each other on and socializing amongst one another. A beer garden, food trucks, a braiding station and an on-site physiotherapy area added to the event experience.
“The overall atmosphere of the weekend was amazing,” said BCAFFL vice-president Derek Slavin. “The vibe was electric and we owe that to the players, our DJs, the partnership we have with Camp Beer and our admin team.”
According to Slavin, only 30 teams were in the tournament during its first years. It grew to 41 teams in its inaugural year and 54 this year.
“This sport is growing worldwide, and we are seeing that growth here. This is a premier destination for international flag football teams around the world,” shared Slaven.
Flag football is also continuing its rise on the world stage and is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Thomas explained he believes B.C. has often been overlooked in adult flag football because the sport is still relatively young in the province. Thomas, however, thinks this year’s tournament showcased the strengths of local teams. “Our players and teams had very strong showings and proved they belong,” he said.
Champions were crowned on Sunday across five different divisions.
Seattle’s Vibe Check captured the Women’s Competitive title after defeating fellow Seattle team Notorious B.I.G.F.O.O.T., earning a trophy and the $500 fire-place prize.
The Women’s Elite championship went to the Texans of Texas, who defeated Vancouver’s West Coast Wild to take home their trophy and the $1,400 top prize.
California’s Sacramento Refugees claimed the Men’s Competitive title over Vancouver’s Outlaws, earning the trophy and $500.
Team Fiji, a team made up of players from Fiji, the United States and Canada, won the Men’s Elite championship after defeating Vancouver’s VanCity Vice, taking home the Men’s Elite trophy and the $1,400 prize.
The VanCity Vice Co-Ed team finished the weekend with a championship of its own, defeating Vancouver’s OHANA ‘NUI to win the Co-ed divisions and the $1,000 first-place prize.
Thomas said the league hopes to continue expanding participation in the sport, particularly among women, adding that if people are interested, newcomers are encouraged to attend open practices regardless of their football experience.
“Football has generally been seen as a male-dominated sport, but the women that have joined this community have shown that they can and do compete at the highest level and can hold their own with the men,” he explained. “This is something that is for everyone no matter the experience level. We have developed a family within the community that will last a lifetime.”
Learn more about BCAFFL and the Pacific International Open at bcaffl.ca.