Girls Flag Football is on the Rise
Girls flag football is quickly gaining momentum across the country, opening up new opportunities for athletes at every level. Whether you’re stepping onto the field for the first time or aiming to compete at the top, girls flag football is about building skills, forming friendships, and breaking new ground together.
Ready to join the movement?
How to Play
Flag football keeps the action fast and the gameplay exciting, and you don’t need experience to start. Teams compete to advance the ball down the field and score touchdowns by pulling flags instead of tackling. Flag football might have different rules, like roster sizes and timing, but the basics are simple, safe, and easy to learn.
Want the full scoop on rules and game strategies?
Explore the Way to Play Flag FootballThe Evolution of Girls Flag Football
Flag football is taking over the world of sports. Over 20 million people, across more than 100 countries, are stepping onto the field to play flag football, which is the most inclusive and accessible way to play the game.
The momentum for flag football continues to build in the U.S. and globally, fueled by broad participation at the youth level, a groundswell of demand from girls and women, and Olympic aspirations as we approach the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics.
Flag football is one of the most popular youth sports in the U.S., with nearly four million participants nationwide. At the center of this movement is NFL FLAG, the official youth flag football league of the NFL and one of the largest youth flag organizations in the country. At the high school level, over 35 states are offering or piloting sanctioned girls high school flag programs, including states like California, Florida, and Texas.
Over 100 colleges and universities offered women’s flag football across the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA in Spring 2025, complementing thousands of teams in the club and intramural levels. Following this growth, flag football has established itself on the global stage with its Olympic debut in the LA28 Olympic Games and with aspirations for a professional flag football league to launch in the next few years.
Want to explore how girls flag is growing in your state? Stay up to date on the latest national trends and local updates.
Flag Football Resources for Parents and Coaches
Looking for ways to support your team or athlete? Find guides, safety tips, and coaching resources tailored for flag football:
Flag Football for Parents Coaching Flag Football
