Isle of Wight flag football player Lottie Laidler has completed a 5-day Great Britain training camp in the United States ahead of next month’s World Championships.
Laidler travelled to Boston with the Great Britain squad as the national team entered the final phase of preparations for the IFAF Flag Football World Championships, which take place in August. Flag football is a non-full-contact form of American football, replacing tackles with the pulling of flags attached to each player’s belt.
The high-performance camp brought together the country’s leading flag football players, providing an opportunity to sharpen skills, strengthen team cohesion and prepare for competition against the world’s best.
The call-up follows an outstanding season for Laidler, who helped the Coventry Cougars claim the UK National Championship title in March. The success marked the club’s 10th national championship, with several Coventry players, including Laidler, earning Great Britain selection.
This year’s World Championships take on added significance after flag football was confirmed as a new sport for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The decision has created a pathway for athletes to compete on the world’s biggest sporting stage and has increased competition for places in the Great Britain squad.
With the countdown to the tournament now underway, the experience gained in Boston is expected to play an important role as the team finalises its preparations.
Laidler is supported by the Isle of Wight Gifted and Talented Scheme, which recognises her commitment and potential as an athlete. As part of her training programme, she also benefits from recovery sessions at Luccombe Manor Hotel, helping to optimise her performance and support her overall wellbeing.
Speaking after the camp, Laidler said:
“I’m incredibly excited to be given the opportunity to travel to Boston with the Great Britain squad. Winning the UK National Championship earlier this year was a huge milestone, and something we worked incredibly hard to achieve.
“Training alongside some of the best athletes in the country is always invaluable and I’m looking forward to making the most of the opportunities I am given to represent Great Britain.”
