Kids in jerseys and cleats. Grass that is still wet with morning dew. Coaches huddled around players. Moms and dads, relatives, siblings, neighbors, all watching from the sidelines. Cheers echo throughout the field. This can only mean one thing: NFL Flag Football season is here.
Is your family a flag football family? There’s just something about the sport that really brings everyone together. Different backgrounds, different skill levels, different ages, yet one thing in common–a love of the game. And whether it’s a four-year-old or a fourteen-year-old, a girl or a boy, a seasoned player or a newbie . . . there’s something in flag football for every single person.
If you’re not already familiar with NFL Flag, they’re the official Flag Football partner of the NFL.
They’re in all 50 states and yep, they include the Detroit Lions on their roster. Talk about local love! And aside from being the largest flag football league in the country, they also work really, really hard to ensure that the game of flag football is accessible to all.
When kids play within the NFL Flag Football program, they learn more than just football. They also learn about teamwork, sportsmanship, dedication, and friendship; the learning takes place both on and off the field. You can trust that your kids will be learning skills they’ll carry with them for a lifetime.
Flag football is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing youth sports in the US. So many more kids are learning the fundamentals and finding a love for the sport. But it doesn’t stop there.
NFL Flag is working hard to ensure that girls have access to the game, too.
They recognize how beneficial it is to have more girls playing the sport. Within NFL Flag you’ll find girls-only leagues and tournaments. They’re also working with RCX Sports and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics to make flag football a sanctioned college sport for women. So even if your daughter has aged out of the program through NFL Flag (it’s for ages 4-14), she doesn’t have to lose her passion for the sport!
In a world where we tell our girls that they can do anything they put their mind to, that includes playing football. It can start when they’re young, watching their older siblings play and wanting to be part of the action. You can encourage a love for flag football in all of your children by bringing them to community games, purchasing gear, and teaching them the basics (and then once they’re four years old, get them signed up!).
But don’t just take our word for it.
Everywhere you look, you’ll find examples of girls in flag football who are truly developing a love for the game. They’re also learning more about self-confidence, responsibility, and how to follow their hearts. In a society where people often feel judged for their choices, it’s truly amazing to see these girls playing flag football because they want to, and not worrying about what anyone else might think.
The Coaches
NFL Flag interviewed two female coaches and asked them how they felt about girls playing flag football. They see it as a great indicator of where the future is heading. The equal opportunity is so great, because it wasn’t something they both had when they were younger. Since the game of flag football is growing, it means there’s more sponsors for teams, and more opportunities. And, having flag football become an Olympic sport gives girls something to strive for and work towards. Because yes, did you know that flag football is going to be an Olympic sport in 2028 in LA?!
Another coach emphasized the importance of girls in flag football and how now, girls are being recognized as the exceptional athletes that they are. It’s no longer just the boys being recognized. The girls are putting in as much hard work, effort, and dedication as the boys do. And it’s time that people are noticing!
The Parents
One parent who was interviewed brought up the fact that watching older siblings play flag football can lead to little sisters wanting to play as well. And when they’re on that team, it’s a true sisterhood bond that is developed on that competitive stage. They want to win–together.
The Players
NFL Flag interviewed Lainey, a player, and asked her about playing flag football. She said that being on the team really makes her feel like she’s a part of something, and that she’s doing something for other people. The girls she plays on the team with, she refers to as her sisters–her family. She said playing on the team gives her hope and makes her want to strive to be in the Olympics.
Seasons come and go, but one thing remains the same: a love of the game. NFL Flag is working hard to ensure girls have equal access to the sport of flag football and they’re setting female athletes up for success both on and off the field. It’s such an amazing opportunity and a chance to learn life lessons both on and off the field. We can’t wait to watch flag football in the Olympics in 2028!
