International teams of women and girls will visit Key West for sports matches and associated activities Tuesday through Monday, Jan. 21-27, during the 33rd annual Kelly McGillis Classic International Women’s & Girls’ Flag Football Championship.
Named for and endorsed by the Golden Globe–winning actress, director and former Key West resident who starred in “Top Gun” and “Witness,” the championship includes three days of competition paired with pre- and post-tournament team-building activities and gatherings.
More than 30 teams from countries including the United States, El Salvador, Morocco, Guatemala and Mexico are expected to participate, said Diane Beruldsen, president and founder of the International Women’s Flag Football Association, which presents the tournament.
The event attracts players ranging from 8 years old to seniors who compete in multiple divisions, and take part in flag football clinics and contests, parties and other social events.
Special guests include Negar Hassanzadeh, an Iranian actress and producer, who plans to film the week’s activities for a documentary production.
Following three days of clinics and islandwide festivities for players, the tournament’s opening ceremony is slated for Thursday, Jan. 23 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Half Shell Raw Bar, 231 Margaret St.
Kelly’s Players Parade, scheduled for just after the ceremony, will feature tournament teams proceeding along Key West’s Duval Street and seaport area. Players typically wear team uniforms or costumes and display their country or state flags or team banners in the procession, which also includes floats and marching bands.
The official mandatory registration party follows at 8 p.m. at the Bourbon St. Pub, 724 Duval St.
Games will begin Friday, Jan. 24, at 9 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 25 and 26, at 8 a.m. at Wicker Field Sports Complex, 3155 Flagler Ave. The competition will culminate Sunday afternoon with playoffs.
An awards event for juniors and girls teams will follow the final game at Wicker Field. Awards for women’s division champions will be presented during a Sunday night dinner at El Siboney, 5501 5th St. on Stock Island.
Clinics and social events Monday, Jan. 27, are to round out the week’s roster.
Viewing of all games and activities, including clinics on how to play and officiate flag football, is open to the public free of charge.
More information is at iwffa.com/kmc-2025/
