Flag football is not just a sport for boys anymore. More and more girls are taking up the game and finding opportunities to pursue their passion, education, and even Olympic dreams. In this article, we will explore how girls’ flag football is growing across the country and what it means for the future of women in sports.
The Rise of Girls’ Flag Football
Flag football is a version of American football where players wear flags or belts that can be pulled off by opponents instead of tackling. It is a fast-paced, low-contact sport that requires speed, agility, and strategy. Flag football is popular among youth and adults, but until recently, it was mostly played by boys and men.
However, in the past few years, girls’ flag football has been gaining momentum and recognition as a legitimate sport. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, the number of girls playing flag football in high school increased by 38% from 2018 to 2020, reaching over 15,000 participantsGirls’ flag football is now offered as a varsity sport in six states: Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and New York. More states are expected to follow suit in the near future.
One of the main drivers behind the growth of girls’ flag football is the support from the NFL and its teams, which have partnered with local schools, leagues, and organizations to provide funding, equipment, coaching, and exposure for the sport. For example, the Atlanta Falcons have donated more than $500,000 to help launch and sustain girls’ flag football programs in Georgia, reaching over 3,000 girls in 140 schools. The New York Jets, the New York Giants, and the Buffalo Bills have also contributed to the creation of a girls’ flag football league in New York, involving more than 50 schools in six sections.
Another factor that has boosted the popularity of girls’ flag football is the media attention and coverage that the sport has received. In 2020, the NFL Network aired the first-ever girls’ flag football national championship, featuring teams from Florida and Nevada. The event was a huge success, attracting over 300,000 viewers and generating positive feedback from fans and celebrities. In 2021, the NFL Network broadcasted the second edition of the championship, as well as the inaugural girls’ flag football All-American game, showcasing the top 50 players in the country.
The Benefits of Girls’ Flag Football
Girls’ flag football is not only a fun and exciting sport, but also a valuable opportunity for girls to develop their skills, confidence, and character. Playing flag football can help girls improve their physical fitness, mental health, and social well-being. It can also teach them important life lessons, such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and resilience.
Moreover, girls’ flag football can open doors for girls to pursue their academic and athletic goals. Many girls who play flag football are eligible for scholarships and grants from colleges and universities that offer women’s flag football as a sport. For instance, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has recognized women’s flag football as an emerging sport since 2020, and has partnered with the NFL and Reigning Champs Experiences (RCX) to provide 15 NAIA schools with $10,000 each to start or enhance their women’s flag football programs. Some of the schools that have added women’s flag football to their roster include Midland University, Kansas Wesleyan University, Ottawa University, and St. Thomas University.
Additionally, girls’ flag football can inspire girls to dream big and aim for the highest level of competition. In 2018, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that flag football would be included in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris as a new discipline under the American football category. This means that girls who play flag football have a chance to represent their country and compete for a gold medal on the world stage.
The Future of Girls’ Flag Football
Girls’ flag football is a sport that is here to stay and grow. As more girls discover and embrace the game, the demand and supply for girls’ flag football will increase. More schools, leagues, and organizations will offer girls’ flag football as a sport, and more resources and support will be available for girls who want to play. More media outlets and platforms will feature and promote girls’ flag football, and more fans and sponsors will follow and invest in the sport. More colleges and universities will recruit and award girls who play flag football, and more opportunities and pathways will be created for girls who want to pursue higher education and careers in sports. And more girls will aspire and prepare to become the next generation of Olympic athletes and champions in flag football.
Girls’ flag football is a sport that is changing the game and inspiring future athletes. It is a sport that empowers girls to be strong, smart, and successful. It is a sport that celebrates girls for who they are and what they can do. It is a sport that is for girls, by girls, and about girls.
