Flag football is quickly gaining momentum as one of the fastest-growing sports for women and girls. With the addition of flag football to the 2028 Summer Olympics and its increasing sanctioning in states across the U.S., the sport is opening doors for young female athletes to explore new opportunities, improve their skills, and challenge the gender norms traditionally associated with football.

In this article, we’ll dive into why flag football is such an empowering sport for women, explore the growth of the game at the youth and professional levels, and highlight how Play Like a Girl is working to provide girls with the tools they need to succeed in the world of flag football and beyond.

Flag Football: A Sport for All

Flag football is a non-contact version of American football that removes the risks of tackles and physical contact. Played with a flag or belt attached to the player’s waist, flag football is a safer, more accessible version of the traditional football game. Because of its non-contact nature, flag football offers an inclusive environment for all athletes, including those who may not want to participate in full-contact football.

Flag football is now being recognized not only for its recreational value but also for its competitive spirit. With leagues and competitions sprouting up nationwide, the sport is providing more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in football at all levels.

One of the key factors behind the sport’s growing popularity is its accessibility. Unlike traditional tackle football, which requires significant equipment and resources, flag football can be played with minimal gear, making it an easier sport for girls and women to join. According to the National Flag Football organization, over 40% of youth flag football players in the U.S. are female, showcasing a trend toward more inclusive participation.

The Rise of Flag Football in the U.S. and Beyond

In recent years, flag football has been making waves in the sports world. A key milestone for the sport came in 2021 when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially added flag football to the list of sports that will debut in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This decision is monumental, as it provides female athletes with a global platform to showcase their talents and abilities on the world stage.

As of 2024, flag football is sanctioned in 12 U.S. states, including Florida, California, and Texas. More than 35,000 girls and young women participate in organized flag football leagues each year, and the number continues to grow rapidly. This surge in participation can be attributed to the sport’s increasing visibility and acceptance, both within schools and across recreational leagues. The move to sanction flag football in schools has also been gaining traction, with more high schools incorporating it into their athletic programs as a varsity-level sport.

The inclusion of flag football in the Olympics in 2028 is a significant step forward for the sport. It is expected to amplify the popularity of women’s football, inspiring future generations of girls to take up the sport and pursue football-related careers. The rise of professional women’s flag football leagues is also adding to the excitement, as it gives athletes a goal within reach. The Women’s Flag Football League (WFFL) and Pro Flag Football are paving the way for professional opportunities for women athletes in flag football.

How Flag Football Empowers Women and Girls

Flag football offers girls an opportunity to explore football in a low-contact and supportive environment, encouraging teamwork, leadership, and confidence. In many cases, it provides an alternative to other traditionally male-dominated sports, allowing girls to engage in a sport that emphasizes skill development over sheer physical strength.

Through flag football, girls learn key life skills that extend beyond the game. The sport promotes discipline, collaboration, and critical thinking—skills that can benefit girls both on and off the field. The increasing presence of female role models in flag football is also a crucial component in changing the narrative around women in sports. For instance, Jules S. of the USA Flag Football national team, has worked tirelessly to mentor young women and encourage their participation in the sport. Her leadership on and off the field makes her an exemplary figure for aspiring athletes.

At Play Like a Girl, we believe that flag football provides a platform for girls to build these skills while also challenging societal norms around gender and sports. By offering programs and partnerships designed to integrate flag football into after-school and community initiatives, we give girls the chance to explore the sport in a supportive environment.

In fact, Play Like a Girl’s Flag Football Field Day tour, in partnership with Bridgestone, has given girls across the country an opportunity to participate in free flag football clinics and meet influential women and athletes across the NFL. These events not only teach the fundamentals of the game but also provide mentorship from women in sports, offering girls the opportunity to see what is possible when they combine their athletic passions with determination.

Flag Football’s Path to the Olympics: What It Means for Women in Sports

Flag football’s inclusion in the Olympics is expected to be a game-changer for women in sports. For many years, football has been a male-dominated sport, and women’s football has often taken a backseat. However, the push for flag football to be recognized as a serious competitive sport on the global stage is a powerful reminder that women can excel in sports traditionally not seen as “their” domain.

The Olympics will provide an international platform for female athletes to showcase their skills, raising awareness about the importance of gender equity in sports. The opportunity to represent one’s country in the Olympics is a dream come true for many athletes, and flag football’s Olympic debut will offer an unprecedented opportunity for women to shine in the spotlight.

Additionally, the recognition of flag football at the Olympic level will bring much-needed resources and infrastructure to the sport, creating more competitive opportunities for women. This will not only encourage the next generation of female athletes but also provide the necessary funding and support to further elevate the sport.

Advancing Women in Flag Football

Play Like a Girl has long been at the forefront of efforts to advance women in sports, and flag football is a key component of our strategy. By offering mentorship opportunities, leadership training, and hands-on experiences in flag football, we help girls develop the confidence and skills they need to pursue careers in sports and STEM. Our Inside Look field trips, which focus on exposing girls to behind-the-scenes operations of sports organizations, can also provide teams the platform to feature flag football clinics and invite girls to learn from top athletes and professionals in the sport. Furthermore, Play Like a Girl’s work with corporate partners like Bridgestone helps bring flag football to more schools, ensuring that girls have access to this exciting and empowering sport.

The Future of Flag Football

Flag football’s growing presence at the youth, collegiate, and professional levels is a testament to the growing interest and commitment to advancing women’s participation in sports. Its recent inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics marks a significant milestone in the journey to empower women athletes worldwide.

By continuing to foster programs like our Field Days, we can help girls build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed in sports and beyond. As we continue to break down barriers and open doors for girls in flag football, we can expect to see more women rising to the occasion and leading the way in this exciting, dynamic sport.