Ten-hut: Flag football tournament brings 700 athletes to Surrey<\/p>\n
Published 3:00 pm Tuesday, July 28, 2026<\/p>\n
Rain didn\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n
Hosted by the B.C. Adult Flag Football League (BCAFFL), the three-day event welcomed 54 men\u2019s, women\u2019s, and co-ed teams across Canada, the United States and internationally to compete in 157 games across five fields. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe atmosphere that I feel we try to promote the most is of inclusivity and community,\u201d explained Thomas. \u201cWe want to bring everyone together in a positive, safe space and allow people to be active and enjoy a sense of belonging.\u201d<\/p>\n
While athletes battled for championship titles, the tournament offered a festival-like atmosphere for players and spectators alike.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe overall atmosphere of the weekend was amazing,\u201d said BCAFFL vice-president Derek Slavin. \u201cThe vibe was electric and we owe that to the players, our DJs, the partnership we have with Camp Beer and our admin team.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis sport is growing worldwide, and we are seeing that growth here. This is a premier destination for international flag football teams around the world,\u201d shared Slaven.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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\u2019s tournament showcased the strengths of local teams. \u201cOur players and teams had very strong showings and proved they belong,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Champions were crowned on Sunday across five different divisions. <\/p>\n
Seattle\u2019s Vibe Check captured the Women\u2019s Competitive title after defeating fellow Seattle team Notorious B.I.G.F.O.O.T., earning a trophy and the $500 fire-place prize.<\/p>\n
The Women\u2019s Elite championship went to the Texans of Texas, who defeated Vancouver\u2019s West Coast Wild to take home their trophy and the $1,400 top prize. <\/p>\n
California\u2019s Sacramento Refugees claimed the Men\u2019s Competitive title over Vancouver\u2019s Outlaws, earning the trophy and $500. <\/p>\n
Team Fiji, a team made up of players from Fiji, the United States and Canada, won the Men\u2019s Elite championship after defeating Vancouver\u2019s VanCity Vice, taking home the Men\u2019s Elite trophy and the $1,400 prize. <\/p>\n
The VanCity Vice Co-Ed team finished the weekend with a championship of its own, defeating Vancouver\u2019s OHANA \u2018NUI to win the Co-ed divisions and the $1,000 first-place prize. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\u201cFootball 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,\u201d he explained. \u201cThis is something that is for everyone no matter the experience level. We have developed a family within the community that will last a lifetime.\u201d<\/p>\n