American Football in Finland will be hosting an international Flag Football tournament with participants coming from various cities in Finland including: Helsinki, Porvoo, Turku, Espoo, Vantaa, Mikkeli, Seinäjoki, Vaasa, Jyvaskyla, Lappeenranta, Rusko, Hämeenlinna, Kouvola, Kotka, Tampere, and Lahti. In addition to Finnish based teams, we expected to have 4 or 5 international teams from countries like Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, & Switzerland.

Flag football is a non-contact variation of American Football that uses flag grabbing instead of physical tackling. The rules of the sport make it safe for a wider range of players, which has allowed us to accommodate up to 32 teams for our 2025 tournament. This is the sixth edition of the tournament that began with 4 total teams in 2020. 

The increased popularity of American Flag Football globally has been bolstered by its upcoming inclusion as an Olympic sport in 2028. This milestone has sparked a surge in interest and participation worldwide, including in Finland, where American Flag Football is gaining momentum. The AFF Turkey Bowl Flag Football Tournament in Lahti serves as a pivotal event in this context, playing a crucial role in promoting the growth of flag football within the Finnish community.

The Turkey Bowl is an independent tournament offering a competitive, flexible format tailored to each team’s preferences. The tournament provides an ideal platform for players who want to enjoy flag football without the commitment of a full-length league while also giving tackle football players a less physically demanding variation of the sport they love. Suomen Amerikkalaisen Jalkapallo Litto (SAJL) registered flag teams participate, viewing it as the season’s ultimate event for determining the best teams.Year after year, it has established itself as a cornerstone of flag football in Finland, consistently attracting the largest participation rates in the nation.

As American Flag Football continues to expand globally, events like the AFF Turkey Bowl not only bolster local interest but also enrich Finland’s sporting landscape. By fostering inclusivity, camaraderie, and skill development, the tournament ensures that American Flag Football remains a vibrant and integral part of Finland’s athletic culture. With its influence poised to grow further, the Turkey Bowl is set to play a pivotal role in the ongoing evolution of American Flag Football in Finland and beyond.