In the sports landscape, it’s almost impossible not to have heard about the rise of flag football. With over 230,000 girls aged 6-17 playing in the U.S. as of 2023—a 44% increase since 2014, athletic programs are experiencing firsthand how this sport appeals to a new generation of athletes eager to compete. The sport has transformed from a grassroots movement to a rapidly growing one with national and global traction. For athletic directors, this means opportunity—and challenge—as high schools, colleges and athletic organizations across the country expand support for female athletes in football.
The Growth of Flag Football for Women
Women’s flag football has seen phenomenal growth, largely due to institutional and professional backing from organizations like the National Football League (NFL). According to recent reports, the NFL noted a 63% increase in women’s participation in flag football from 2019 to 2023. This commitment was also evidenced by the NFL’s hiring of a dedicated vice president for flag football, Stephanie Kwok, to oversee youth programs and advocate for accessible, competitive pathways for young female athletes.
The support for women’s flag football is not only growing on the youth level but has also gained institutional backing. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) offered the sport at 22 colleges during the 2023-24 season, while the NCAA’s first varsity flag football season is scheduled for Spring 2025 in the Atlantic East Conference. Nationally, 12 state associations have implemented sanctioned girls’ flag football, while another 19 states are involved in pilot programs at some level. The recent news that flag football will debut as an Olympic sport in 2028 underscores the sport’s credibility and competitive potential on a global stage.
Why Athletic Directors Should Embrace Flag Football
For athletic directors, the rise of women’s flag football presents an exciting avenue to engage students, expand athletic offerings and demonstrate institutional commitment to equity in sports. With lower equipment costs and versatile team structures (typically five-on-five or seven-on-seven formats), flag football is both cost-effective and accessible, making it easier to introduce into high school and college athletic programs. Additionally, the game can be played on existing school fields without the need for extensive modifications, which means athletic departments can add it to their roster with minimal investment compared to other sports.
Flag football also addresses the growing demand for safer alternatives to tackle football. As concerns about concussions and other injuries associated with tackle football persist, flag football provides a contact-light option that still teaches athletes the fundamentals of the sport.
Expanding Access and Inclusivity
Beyond the logistical benefits, women’s flag football offers a meaningful way to promote inclusivity and diversity within school sports programs. Flag football provides a new athletic outlet for girls interested in football but previously limited to playing in co-ed or informal settings.
Furthermore, as more high schools across the U.S. sanction flag football, athletic directors are in a unique position to shape its development. By creating pathways to play, especially in areas without established girls’ teams, athletic programs can help girls pursue athletic dreams that extend into college and potentially even the Olympics.
How You Can Help Flag Football Touchdown
While the growth trajectory of women’s flag football is promising, athletic directors will play a crucial role in navigating the challenges that come with it. Key actions for athletic directors include:
- Advocating for State Sanctioning and Funding: As flag football gains popularity, directors should advocate for state recognition to elevate the sport to a sanctioned status in regions where it’s currently piloted or unofficial. State support could unlock funding opportunities and provide structured pathways for girls who wish to compete at higher levels.
- Equity in Resources and Facilities: To maintain balanced access, athletic directors should ensure that flag football teams have equitable access to resources, fields, and training equipment. Support from organizations like the NFL and partnerships with local companies can also help fund and expand these resources.
- Connecting with College and Professional Opportunities: Given that some NAIA schools now offer scholarships for women’s flag football, athletic directors can enhance college readiness by providing information on scholarship opportunities. Additionally, the NFL’s recent push for youth clinics and partnerships with schools offers a potential network for directors to help players stay informed and connected to broader opportunities.
- Promoting Athlete Development and Inclusivity: Directors can work to create supportive, inclusive environments for girls by hiring trained coaches and establishing development-focused programs. With access to expert instruction, female athletes can acquire the skills necessary to compete at national and international levels.
As women’s flag football continues to gain ground, the sport’s impact on the athletic landscape is undeniable. For athletic directors, embracing this opportunity means not only supporting a growing sport but also reinforcing their commitment to inclusivity, safety and athletic diversity. With the right planning, advocacy and community engagement, flag football could soon become a staple of school sports programs across the U.S., empowering a new generation of female athletes to redefine their place in the football world.
Don’t get sidelined—make the winning play by investing in women’s flag football today!
