Millfield student Luke Barry has won a silver medal for Great Britain at the 2024 IFAF European Junior Flag Football Championships. Representing the Great Britain U15 Mixed Team, Year 10 student Luke helped his team reach the final in Belgrade, Serbia, where they faced Germany.

Luke, who is also involved in rugby, football, and drama at Millfield, said: "I was ecstatic when I got the news! It's incredible to be able to represent your country."

Flag Football, a non-contact version of American football, is set to make its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 Los Angeles games. Luke hopes to be part of the team that competes.

The tournament, which ran from September 6 to 8, featured 28 teams from 12 nations competing in U17 boys', U17 girls', and U15 mixed categories. Luke plays two positions—Blitzer, where he puts pressure on the opposition's quarterback, and Running Back, aiming to weave through defences when the ball is handed to him.

Luke first got into Flag Football after joining his local American Football club, Berkshire Renegades, and has continued to develop his skills at the academy club XL Performance in London.

Reflecting on the experience, Luke said, "It was interesting to mix with people from different environments and cultures. Travelling as a GB group felt incredibly special." He added that his training in rugby and football helps hone his agility and quick direction changes, which translate well into Flag Football.

Millfield School has supported his journey by providing flexible learning arrangements, allowing Luke to pursue his sporting ambitions without falling behind academically. "The amazing thing about Millfield is that you're able to try out and balance so many different things," he said.

The future is bright for the young athlete, who dreams of competing in the 2028 Olympics as part of Team GB when Flag Football makes its first appearance.