As the final tulips are plucked from the Dutch bulb fields and the renowned Keukenhof gardens close their gates for another year, a new and vibrant variety is only beginning to bud — the Touchdown Tulips, the Netherlands’ national women’s flag football team. Unlike their floral namesakes, these Tulips are not destined for export or exhibition but are taking root in European sport. With the European Flag Football Championships approaching this fall, this talented group of women is steadily growing into one of the Netherlands’ most promising sporting initiatives. Like any crop, they need nurturing — training, structure, visibility, and yes, funding — to reach full bloom.
While American football may not be the first sport that comes to mind in the Dutch landscape, flag football is quickly becoming a visible and vibrant exception. And leading the charge are the women of the Touchdown Tulips, an initiative of the American Football Bond Nederland (AFBN). The national governing body fields both a men’s and women’s national flag football team, but increasingly, the spotlight is shifting to the women — and for good reason.
Flag Football’s Olympic Leap Gives Women’s Game Momentum
The growing popularity of flag football isn’t unique to the Netherlands. In October 2023, the International Olympic Committee announced the inclusion of flag football as a medal sport at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The decision was a landmark moment for a sport that had long lingered on the periphery of mainstream attention. Suddenly, a fast, tactical, non-contact version of American football was on the world stage, and countries around the globe took notice.
For Dutch athletes, especially women who historically have had fewer opportunities in the sport, the Olympic announcement served as a jolt of motivation and legitimacy. The Touchdown Tulips are now part of a broader international push to elevate flag football to elite sporting status — and they’re moving fast.
What Makes the Touchdown Tulips So Special?
Visit the Tulips’ official site, tulipsflagfootball.nl, and you’ll find more than stats and schedules. You’ll find a mission. The team was launched with the explicit goal of creating a safe, inclusive space where female athletes of all backgrounds and skill levels could experience the sport — and thrive in it. There’s no prior American football experience required; just enthusiasm, commitment, and a love for the game.
That ethos has shaped a squad that is uniquely diverse. Players come from a variety of sporting and cultural backgrounds, and the team emphasizes development just as much as results. The coaching staff, under the guidance of head coach Wayne Neijhorst, is deeply committed to technical excellence, strategic growth, and building a culture of mutual respect. Their practices blend high performance standards with the camaraderie of a team that knows it is building something special from the ground up.
This grassroots foundation has helped the Tulips grow — not just in size, but in confidence, skill, and national relevance.
King Bowl 2025: Grit and Growth in Utrecht
That growth was on full display at this year’s King Bowl tournament in Utrecht, one of the largest international flag football tournaments in Europe. With some 100 teams from across the continent, it’s a true test of talent and tenacity.
The Touchdown Tulips played in the women’s elite bracket and notched a standout victory against the South Dublin Panther, winning 7-6 in a strong defensive performance. But as with all young teams, their journey wasn’t without setbacks. The Tulips ultimately finished 11 out of 23 overall, falling to seasoned teams like the French Redlips. Still, the value of the tournament was immense.
“It was a learning experience,” said coach Neijhorst. “We need tournaments like this to encounter adversity and see where we stand amond the top European teams. The team took strides, and the energy was amazing.”
Beyond the scores, the event helped spotlight what makes flag football so appealing: accessibility, athleticism, and an incredibly supportive community. The AFBN’s decision to field the Tulips in such events reflects a strategic long-term view — getting reps now means being ready later, especially as Olympic dreams grow closer.
Road to Paris: The 2025 European Championships
The next big milestone for the Touchdown Tulips is the IFAF European Flag Football Championships, to be held in Paris, France, from September 24–27, 2025. This tournament is more than a continental competition — it’s a critical qualifying step toward the 2026 IFAF World Championships and the eventual Olympic Games in L.A.
Hosting duties were split between France (for the women’s and men’s championships) and Austria (for the U15 and U17 divisions), reflecting the increasing organizational commitment to growing the sport. With 20 women’s national teams expected to participate, the level of play will be elite — and the spotlight intense.
The Tulips’ participation signifies the Netherlands’ investment in being part of the Olympic-era evolution of the sport. But more practically, it’s a make-or-break test. Performing well in Paris will raise their international profile and open more doors for funding and sponsorships — something the team will sorely need.
More Than a Game: Funding and Visibility Remain Key
Despite the passion, talent, and international opportunities, the Touchdown Tulips face the same challenge that many women’s sports programs confront: resources. From travel costs to training facilities, from uniforms to tournament fees, much of the current support comes from a patchwork of player contributions, small sponsorships, and AFBN allocations.
That’s why the Tulips are actively seeking partnerships, donors, and visibility. “It’s time to treat this team like the elite program it’s becoming,” said a supporter at the King Bowl. “They represent the country, they train like professionals — now they need backing like professionals.”
Supporting the Tulips isn’t just about sport. It’s about gender equity, youth empowerment, and showing that the Netherlands has a place in the emerging global conversation about women’s flag football.
Conclusion: Let the Tulips Bloom
The Dutch women’s national flag football team may still be in its early stages, but the foundation is strong and the stakes are high. The inclusion of flag football in the Olympics has changed the global trajectory of the sport, and the Touchdown Tulips are stepping up to meet the moment.
With the King Bowl in the rear-view mirror and the European Championships on the horizon, the time is now for stakeholders — from fans to funders — to get behind this vibrant, resilient team. These Tulips are not just blooming — they’re aiming to flourish on the biggest stage.
Written by John Mahnen