In 2024, the number of participants in flag football in the United States peaked at approximately 7.8 million. This figure was an increase over the previous year's figure of 7.3 million.

The number of U.S. Americans playing tackle football increased in 2023 for the fourth year in a row. In total, around 5.6 million people above the age of six years were engaged in that sport at least once in that year. Tackle football vs flag football Football is a popular recreational sport in the United States - for adults, adolescents and children alike. Played with almost the same rules as professional football, children can start playing tackle football around the age of five. Over the past few years, there has been a decline in the number of people participating in tackle football. Comparatively, more and more people have been turning to flag football, where rather than tackling players to the ground (as done in tackle football) the defensive team must remove a flag from the player carrying the ball. In 2021, the U.S. participation in flag football was approximately 6.9 million people, a number that has seen an overall raise of 18.2 percent between 2015 and that year. Too old for outdoor activities? It would seem that younger generations participate more often in outdoor activities than people of older age groups do. A survey found that around 60 percent of the Millenials and Gen Z respondents participated at least once in an outdoor activity in 2021. Meanwhile, the outdoor participation of respondents who belonged to the boomers generations amounted to 40 percent.

The statistic shows the share of children aged 6 to 12 who participate in flag football on a regular basis in the United States from 2008 to 2020. According to the source, 3.5 percent of children participated in flag football on a regular basis in 2019, down from 4.5 percent in 2008.

The flag football belt market, while niche, exhibits promising growth potential driven by the increasing popularity of flag football, particularly among youth and adult recreational leagues. The market's expansion is fueled by several factors. Firstly, the rising awareness of flag football as a safer alternative to tackle football is attracting a broader demographic, including parents concerned about concussions and injuries. Secondly, the convenience and ease of play associated with flag football contribute to its appeal, leading to increased participation and consequently, higher demand for essential equipment like flag football belts. The market is segmented by belt type (one-piece vs. multi-piece) and sales channel (online vs. offline), with online sales experiencing faster growth due to increased e-commerce penetration and the convenience it offers. Key players like Champion Sports, Franklin Sports, and SKLZ are actively contributing to market growth through product innovation, strategic partnerships, and marketing initiatives targeted at specific demographics. While specific market size figures are unavailable, a reasonable estimation based on the growth of related sports equipment markets and the rising popularity of flag football suggests a substantial market valuation, likely exceeding $50 million in 2025, with a projected CAGR of 8-10% over the forecast period (2025-2033). Geographic distribution is expected to show strong performance in North America and Europe, followed by a gradual expansion in Asia-Pacific and other regions. The market faces some constraints, primarily competition from other recreational sports and the price sensitivity of some consumer segments. However, ongoing product development focusing on durability, comfort, and innovative designs can mitigate these challenges. The trend towards customizable and aesthetically appealing flag football belts is also expected to drive growth. Furthermore, increased sponsorship and media coverage of flag football leagues are likely to contribute to the market's overall expansion and profitability. Continued innovation in belt design, materials, and functionality will be crucial for companies seeking a competitive edge in this growing market. The increasing adoption of online sales channels presents a significant opportunity for both established and emerging players to reach a wider customer base.

The adjustable flag football belt market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing popularity of flag football, particularly among youth and adult recreational leagues. This growth is further fueled by the convenience and safety offered by these belts compared to traditional hand-held flags. The market, currently estimated at $150 million in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is anticipated across various segments, including online and offline sales channels, and different belt types such as one-piece and multi-piece designs. The competitive landscape includes established sporting goods brands like Champion Sports and Franklin Sports, alongside smaller, specialized companies like SHRUUMZ and Adventure Animalz. Innovation in belt design, materials, and features (e.g., enhanced durability, improved visibility) will continue to drive market expansion. The North American market currently holds the largest share, owing to the high participation rates in flag football within the United States and Canada. However, increasing participation globally, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Europe, presents significant growth opportunities. The market segmentation reveals a strong preference for online sales channels, reflecting the ease and convenience of purchasing sporting goods online. The one-piece flag football belt segment currently dominates, but the multi-piece segment is experiencing faster growth due to its perceived greater adjustability and durability. Geographic expansion is a key strategy for manufacturers, with a focus on regions with high growth potential and untapped markets. While some challenges exist, such as price sensitivity in certain markets and the potential for substitution with less expensive alternatives, the overall market outlook for adjustable flag football belts remains positive and promising throughout the forecast period. Continued marketing efforts focusing on safety and convenience, alongside product innovation, will be vital in maintaining this growth trajectory.

This is a MD iMAP hosted service layer. Find more information at http://imap.maryland.gov. Maryland Sports (http://www.marylandsports.us/) has identified sport venues located within the State of Maryland. These venues offer opportunities to participate in free and fee-based - organized and pick-up - indoor and outdoor sports and physical fitness related activities in the area of Flag Football. Last Updated: 08/2014 Feature Service Layer Link: https://mdgeodata.md.gov/imap/rest/services/Society/MD_SportVenues/FeatureServer ADDITIONAL LICENSE TERMS: The Spatial Data and the information therein (collectively "the Data") is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind either expressed implied or statutory. The user assumes the entire risk as to quality and performance of the Data. No guarantee of accuracy is granted nor is any responsibility for reliance thereon assumed. In no event shall the State of Maryland be liable for direct indirect incidental consequential or special damages of any kind. The State of Maryland does not accept liability for any damages or misrepresentation caused by inaccuracies in the Data or as a result to changes to the Data nor is there responsibility assumed to maintain the Data in any manner or form. The Data can be freely distributed as long as the metadata entry is not modified or deleted. Any data derived from the Data must acknowledge the State of Maryland in the metadata.

According to a survey conducted in the United Kingdom in the first quarter of 2024, the National Football League franchise the Miami Dolphins was the most popular NFL team in the country. Around 28 percent of survey participants supported the Dolphins, while 13 percent of respondents were fans of the New England Patriots.

NFL in Great Britain

Despite the sport being played primarily in the United States, American Football, and by extension the National Football League, was becoming more popular in Great Britain. A January 2022 survey showed growing interest in the NFL in Great Britain between 2020 and 2022. Thousands of fans visit stadiums hosting the NFL International Series games held in London, with the 2023 match-up between the Baltimore Ravens and the Tennessee Titans attracting upwards of 61 thousand supporters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Meanwhile, the age distribution of NFL supporters in Great Britain showed that the largest share of fans was made up of individuals aged over 51 years in 2022.

Popular sports activities in the United Kingdom

A Statista Consumer Insights survey conducted in December 2023 found that fitness, aerobics, and cardio were the most popular sporting activities in the United Kingdom. While 37 percent of survey participants stated they were involved with fitness, aerobics, or cardio-related activities at least occasionally, just nine percent of respondents said the same about American Football/Flag Football. Overall, close to 5.8 million individuals participated in fitness classes in the United Kingdom in 2022.