The Tauranga City Tridents American Football Club will kick off its 2026-27 season with an open day at Waipuna Park on Sunday, inviting newcomers and returning members to try the sport.

Flag football is open to boys and girls from age 8 through to adult men and women, with teams across Peewee, Youth, Senior and Masters grades. The club also offers contact American football for men aged 16-plus.

A focus this season will be the fees-free Peewee programme for children aged 8-13, allowing young players to learn the sport and play a season without paying a registration fee.

Club president James Loughlin said there was plenty of excitement about the new season.

“We’re really looking forward to getting everyone back on the field. The club has built a lot of momentum over the last few years, but the open day is really about welcoming people in, whether they have played before or are seeing American football up close for the first time.”

Tauranga City Tridents Men’s 2026 National Flag Football champions. Photo / NZAFF

The Tridents head into a new season after one of their strongest years yet. The Open Men successfully defended their national title, the Under-15 team were crowned national champions, and the Open Women finished runners-up.

Club captain Scott Witney said the challenge now was to build on those results.

“Last season gave us a lot to be proud of. The goal now is to keep lifting the standard while continuing to grow the club. We want to build on those successes, but also create more opportunities for new players to come in, learn the game and become part of what we’re building.”

Flag football had continued to grow domestically and internationally, he said, with a non-contact version of the sport to make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

For younger players, the Tridents were keen to make that growth as accessible as possible.

Peewee coach Ben Reyngoud said he was looking forward to seeing more new faces at Waipuna Park this season.

“It has been awesome to see more kids becoming interested in flag football as the sport grows. At Peewee level, the main thing is getting them out there, learning the basics, having fun and building confidence.

Tridents women’s quarterback, Nicole Huala. Photo / NZAFF

“Having the programme fees-free makes it even easier for families to give it a go, and we can’t wait to welcome some new faces this season.”

The open day has become an annual tradition. This year’s event will again give newcomers a chance to meet Tridents players and coaches, learn the fundamentals, take part in fun skills activities and casual games, and get a feel for where they might fit within the sport.

Loughlin said American football had roles for a wide range of body types and sporting backgrounds, with skills from rugby, league, touch, basketball, netball, athletics and other codes transferable to the game.

The open day is at Waipuna Park on September 27 from 2pm. For more information, visit Tauranga City Tridents on Facebook or Instagram.