South Jersey Girl Represents USA, NY Jets On International Flag Football Stage

Kaitlyn Richards, 14, was selected for the 15U U.S. National Team and will train in California ahead of the USA Football Junior International Cup.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a girls' flag football game, with the players and field deconstructed into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant green, blue, and orange.A young athlete's path from the local field to the international stage reflects the rapid growth and global aspirations of girls' flag football.Clayton Today

Kaitlyn Richards, a 14-year-old wide receiver and defensive back from Clayton, New Jersey, has been selected to represent the United States as part of the 15U U.S. National Flag Football Team. Richards, who plays for the Jets Flag Elite 14U travel team, will train in Chula Vista, California over the next two months before the final roster is selected for the USA Football Junior International Cup in Los Angeles this summer.

Why it matters

Richards' selection to the U.S. National Team highlights the growing popularity and competitiveness of girls' flag football, which is set to become an Olympic sport in 2028. Her journey from the local fields of Autumn Pasquale Memorial Park to the international stage showcases the opportunities available for young athletes, even in small towns, to achieve their world-class dreams.

The details

Richards started playing tackle football but later transitioned to flag football after her mother expressed concerns over the dangers of contact sports. In September 2025, she joined the Jets Flag Elite 14U team, where she has developed valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, and positive energy. Now, she has the chance to represent both the USA and the New York Jets on the international stage.

  • In September 2025, Richards joined the Jets Flag Elite 14U team.
  • In early 2026, Richards was selected to represent the 15U U.S. National Flag Football Team.
  • Over the next two months, Richards will train in Chula Vista, California.
  • The final roster for the USA Football Junior International Cup will be announced in the summer of 2026.
  • The USA Football Junior International Cup will take place in Los Angeles in the summer of 2026.

The players

Kaitlyn Richards

A 14-year-old wide receiver and defensive back from Clayton, New Jersey, who was selected to represent the 15U U.S. National Flag Football Team.

Jets Flag Elite

The official girls flag football club travel team of the New York Jets, founded in May 2025.

USA Football

The national governing body for amateur American football in the United States, which is organizing the Junior International Cup.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Being in a small town doesn't mean you can't do big things.”

— Kaitlyn Richards, 14-year-old flag football player

“Leadership, being a team player, and bringing positive energy to my team.”

— Kaitlyn Richards, 14-year-old flag football player

What’s next

Kaitlyn Richards and her Jets Flag Elite 14U teammates will compete in the Hard Count National Qualifier in Jackson, New Jersey, on April 11. The final roster for the 15U U.S. National Flag Football Team will be announced in the summer of 2026 ahead of the USA Football Junior International Cup in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

Kaitlyn Richards' selection to the 15U U.S. National Flag Football Team showcases the growing opportunities for young athletes, even in small towns, to achieve their world-class dreams. Her journey from the local fields to the international stage highlights the rapid development of girls' flag football and the potential for the sport to become an Olympic event in 2028.