Girls’ flag football is no longer just a backyard game; it has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, shaping the future of female athletics. With increasing participation, institutional backing, and a promising path to collegiate and professional play, the sport is making a major impact on the athletic world.
The popularity of girls’ flag football has surged dramatically in recent years. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the number of girls participating in high school flag football more than doubled from 20,875 in the 2022-23 season to 42,955 in the 2023-24 season—a staggering 105% increase. This rapid growth is just the tip of the iceberg, as participation has risen by an incredible 173% since 2021. The rise isn’t confined to high school athletes; nearly 500,000 girls aged 6-17 played flag football in 2023, marking a significant expansion at the youth level and reflecting the growing interest and development of the sport across the country.
As the sport gains momentum, many schools and organizations are stepping up to meet the demand. Flag football leagues are sprouting at various levels, from elementary school to high school and beyond, creating new opportunities for girls to showcase their talent. Additionally, some state athletic associations have made girls’ flag football an official varsity sport, ensuring a competitive and structured environment for athletes. This is helping elevate the profile of the sport and providing a pathway for young athletes to pursue collegiate scholarships and even careers in professional flag football leagues that are emerging.
In line with this trend, Glen Edwards Middle School made a strategic decision to replace its softball program with flag football for the 2025 school year. This transition is not only a reflection of the sport’s growing popularity but also a forward-thinking move to engage more female athletes in competitive sports. The decision to introduce a girls’ flag football program at this level demonstrates an investment in both athletic development and fostering a team-oriented environment where young athletes can build confidence, leadership skills, and resilience.
To gain insight into the impact of girls’ flag football, I had the chance to interview two players, Emma and Micha, who played last year.
What made you want to play girls’ flag football, and how did you first get involved?
Emma: “What made me play girls’ flag football was that my brother did it, and my dad coached. I’ve always wanted to play, so I tried it. I played in 6th grade for a rec team, which had both girls and boys.”
Micha: “I’ve always loved watching football, and when I heard that flag football was being introduced at our school, I wanted to try it out. My friends were doing it, and I thought it was really fun.”
What do you think about the growing popularity of girls’ flag football?
Emma: “I think it’s great that more girls are playing flag football, and I hope the trend continues because I love this sport. I want to play in high school and beyond.”
Micha: “I think it’s really cool. It’s awesome that girls now have the chance to play flag football, and it’s exciting to see how quickly it’s growing.”
Have you noticed more girls at Glen Edwards Middle School getting interested in flag football?
Emma: “Yes, I’ve definitely noticed more girls at Glen Edwards Middle School getting involved. More girls want to play, and I’m happy to see that they’re getting interested in flag football.”
Micha: “Yes, I’ve noticed more girls from 7th and 8th grade getting involved and trying out the sport.”
Do you think middle schools should continue adding flag football as a sport for girls? Why or why not?
Emma: “Yes, I do think middle schools should continue offering flag football, especially for girls. It’s a really fun sport, and I think more girls would enjoy it.”
Micha: “I think adding flag football for girls is really cool and a great experience for them. It’s awesome that they have the opportunity to play.”
If you had the chance to play girls’ flag football again, would you?
Emma: “I would definitely play flag football again, and I’d also like to play in high school.”
Micha: “Yes, I’m playing in 8th grade, and I played in 7th grade too, but I won’t continue in high school because of volleyball.”
The experiences of Emma and Micha highlight the growing enthusiasm and opportunities within girls’ flag football. As participation continues to rise, the sport is paving the way for future female athletes to thrive on the field and beyond.
