Year 10 student Ivy Hootön has been selected to represent New Zealand and will compete in Los Angeles this June.

Onehunga High School proudly congratulates Year 10 student Ivy Hootön on her selection to represent New Zealand in Flag Football in 2026.

Ivy will travel to Los Angeles this June to compete internationally, an exciting opportunity and a remarkable achievement. Her selection reflects the hard work, discipline, and commitment she has consistently shown in her training.

While Ivy’s involvement in Flag Football has developed outside of school, this success is one the school community is proud to celebrate. Her achievement highlights both her personal dedication and the growing opportunities available to young athletes in emerging sports.

Flag Football is a non contact version of American football. Instead of tackling, players stop an opponent by removing a flag attached to their waist. The game includes many of the same skills and strategies, such as passing, catching, and teamwork, but places a greater emphasis on speed and agility.

The sport is still relatively new in New Zealand but is played in 89 countries worldwide and is set to feature in an upcoming Olympic Games. This adds even greater significance to Ivy’s accomplishment, as she begins to pursue her long term goal of competing at that level.

Ivy will be representing New Zealand from 15 June to 25 June. We wish her all the very best and look forward to following her journey on the international stage.