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DENVER — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's "America's Got Talent" meets "American Idol," with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it's never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at "Dream Team" status given the men's side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023. The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. "We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport," said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. "We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world." Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores. "Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That's something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok, the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado's two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. "If a receiver is running around, I'm thinking, 'OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,'" Daniels explained. "They're like, 'No, you can't.' I'm just like, 'So I'm supposed to let this guy just run?!' I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn." The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. "I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. "I'm not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, 'I played NFL football for five years. I'm popular. I have a huge name.' I'm still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise." Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It's his way of working on avoiding a "defender" trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. "You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the 'Redeem Team' led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, 'That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. "Everybody thinks, 'Yeah, the U.S. just wins,'" Daniels said. "But we work hard all the time. We don't just walk in. We don't just get off the bus thinking, 'We're going to beat people.'" Get local news delivered to your inbox!Small caps poised to star in 2025

NoneSiena men's basketball's losing streak hits four after Jacksonville wins 75-64 at Fort MyersEastEnders fans are speculating that Cindy Beale, played by Michelle Collins, is on the brink of offing a well-loved character on the soap. Known for her scheming and cunning antics, Cindy hasn't changed a bit in the 36 years since she first appeared on the show. As viewers will remember, she's currently embroiled in an affair with her ex-husband George Knight's (Colin Salmon) son, Junior (Micah Balfour). However, last week saw a shocking twist when George's brother Kojo (Dayo Koleosho) stumbled upon Cindy and Junior in a passionate embrace, agreeing to carry on their clandestine relationship. In the ensuing chaos, Kojo fled, but after a tussle with Cindy, he fell from a high balcony. After dialling for an ambulance, Cindy fabricated a story, claiming she found Kojo in his injured state. He was swiftly taken to hospital where it was revealed he was in a coma. Since then, Cindy has been fraught with worry, fearing Kojo might recall the incident once he regains consciousness, reports the Manchester Evening News . But in Monday's episode (December 2), Kojo woke up from his coma, leaving Cindy petrified about what he might disclose. Upon learning he had regained consciousness, she made her way to the hospital. Once alone with a vulnerable Kojo, a desperate Cindy confronted him, pleading for him to keep their "little secret" and warning him of the consequences if anyone were to find out. "It will destroy George's family, and George will do anything to protect his family. And you wouldn't want to be the one to ruin that, would you? " she cautioned. Cindy ominously warned: "Because he might send you back to live with your brother. And you've adjusted so well, slotted in. And the girls would really miss you. But don't worry, because you're going to do what you're told aren't you?" The latest twists have now sparked concerns among viewers that Cindy is at the heart of a potential shock murder plot - and everything points towards Kojo being at risk. On social media platform X, tension amongst the audience is palpable, with comments like: "Cindy is gonna do something bad to this guy. Ugh, I cannot deal." Echoing this sentiment, another viewer added: "I'm SCARED!" While a third admits: "I'm actually so worried, but I also believe that Kojo is smarter than he seems." EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer If you love your soaps pick up Love TV's Best of British Soaps, packed with all your favourite characters and storylines. As well as interviews and quizzes. Click here to buy or it's on sale at participating retailers.

At least 56 dead in stampede outside football match in Guinea, AfricaIn a decisive victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has secured a strong mandate in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, along with dominant performances in other states' bypolls. Party President J P Nadda described the outcome as a historic endorsement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's developmental vision. Speaking at the BJP headquarters, Nadda commended the electorate for rejecting the opposition's divisive politics and embracing Modi's agenda. He acknowledged the people's mandate in Jharkhand, pledging that the BJP would serve as a constructive opposition there, battling issues like infiltration from Bangladesh. Nadda took aim at Shiv Sena's Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of betraying the 2019 mandate for personal gain. He emphasized how the results signal the nation's support for the BJP-led NDA and critiqued the Congress as a dwindling force, echoing Modi's earlier remarks about its parasitic nature. (With inputs from agencies.)