Play Like a Girl is on a mission to level the playing field by creating new and lasting opportunities for girls in sports. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our expanded partnership with Bridgestone Americas, which has generously provided $300,000 to support the growth of girls’ flag football programs across the country. For the second year, this initiative—focused on developing girls’ confidence, leadership skills, and athletic abilities—is poised to make a powerful impact in schools and communities nationwide. Already, these efforts have directly helped more than 5,200 young women gain access to the sport.

Flag football has seen a significant surge in popularity, with more than 20 states now sanctioning it as an official sport for girls at the high school level. This partnership with Bridgestone amplifies our mission, ensuring that even more girls have access to play, learn, and grow through team sports. Bridgestone’s investment is an exciting step forward, expanding access to athletic programs that empower young women, boost their physical and mental well-being, and open pathways to leadership.

In celebration of International Day of the Girl 2024, we teamed up with Bridgestone and five NFL teams to host our Field Day program. Hundreds of girls flag football players gathered on the home fields of the LA Rams, New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Dallas Cowboys. There, they ran football drills with professional players, team representatives, and members of the Renegades women’s flag football team in Boston. Each Field Day event also featured a leadership panel, where women executives from Bridgestone, the host NFL team, and Play Like a Girl shared how their experiences in sports have shaped and strengthened their professional careers.


View Field Day 2023 at the Cleveland Browns.

Why Flag Football?

Flag football provides girls with a fun, inclusive environment where they can build confidence, learn teamwork, and develop leadership skills—all while defying stereotypes about which sports girls “should” play. It’s a game that encourages athleticism and strategy without the need for intense contact, making it accessible and attractive to players of all backgrounds and abilities. Flag football is also an ideal sport for building mental resilience, which is a key ingredient for success in both sports and life.

For girls, engaging in sports is about more than just physical prowess. Studies have shown that sports participation improves self-esteem, academic performance, and long-term health outcomes. It also helps girls cultivate life skills like goal-setting, leadership, and resilience—all skills that are especially important in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), where our work at Play Like a Girl also lies. With Bridgestone’s support, more girls will have the opportunity to explore sports in ways that prepare them for a future of confidence and achievement, whether on the field, in the classroom, or in the workplace.

Bridgestone’s Commitment to Girls in Sports

Bridgestone’s support extends beyond just funding. This partnership is part of their broader What Really Matters initiative, which focuses on making positive and lasting impacts on people, the environment, and mobility in local communities where the company operates. By funding new and expanding flag football programs, Bridgestone is taking a proactive role in creating inclusive environments that support girls’ aspirations and well-being.

“Through Bridgestone’s generous investment in our Field Day program, we’re giving girls everywhere the chance to experience the many benefits of team sports and empowering them to reach for new heights,” said Dr. Kimberly Clay, founder and CEO of Play Like a Girl. “Flag football is more than a game; it’s a powerful tool for personal growth and development, and we’re proud to bring this opportunity to girls across the nation.”

What’s Next: Get Involved!

This initiative aims to expand and enrich girls’ lives through flag football, but we can’t do it alone. We invite families, schools, and communities to join us in spreading the word about these exciting opportunities. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or sports enthusiast, your support can make a difference.

  • For Schools: Encourage girls to participate in flag football by organizing or supporting local programs. Contact us to learn how to bring Play Like a Girl flag football clinics for female players, coaching staff and volunteers to your school.
  • For Parents: Get involved by cheering on your daughters, volunteering, and encouraging their participation in team sports like flag football.
  • For Community Members and Businesses: Consider supporting this initiative as a sponsor or volunteer. Your contributions can help create more opportunities for girls to thrive.

On behalf of all of us at Play Like a Girl, we thank Bridgestone for their incredible support and look forward to making an even greater impact together. Join us in championing girls’ participation in sports and STEM and help inspire the next generation of female leaders and innovators. Together, let’s continue paving the way for girls to discover their full potential—both on and off the field.