Flag Football's Rising Star: A Surge in Popularity and Olympic Dreams

by Suzy kolber

Flag football is taking off,  especially among women!  This exciting trend is fueled in part by the groundbreaking announcement that women's flag football will be included in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This landmark inclusion represents a significant milestone for the sport and is expected to further elevate its profile on a global scale.

The Reasons for Popularity

There are lots of reasons for its growing popularity with young women. One key is the increasing visibility of women in sports. As more female athletes achieve success and receive widespread recognition, young girls and women are inspired to participate. Flag football offers a relatively accessible and inclusive sport that can be enjoyed by athletes of all skill levels, regardless of previous experience or physical abilities and you don’t need expensive equipment to play. Moreover, flag football is a non-contact sport, making it appealing to many women who may be hesitant to participate in more physically demanding sports. The reduced risk of injury allows for a more enjoyable and sustainable experience, enabling athletes to engage in regular physical activity without the fear of serious injury.

The Value of Flag Football

Like so many other team sports, flag football offers valuable lessons for girls and young women that go beyond the physical benefit. Flag fosters teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship, as participants learn the importance of collaboration, communication, and respecting opponents. Additionally, flag football can help build self-confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of community, as athletes develop relationships with their teammates and coaches.

Recent State Recognition

Pennsylvania has recently recognized flag football as a sanctioned girls' high school sport, demonstrating the sport's growing popularity. This decision unlocks opportunities for participants and school districts, allowing them to compete for a state championship and potentially create a pathway of talent for college sports and beyond. Pennsylvania joins other states, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New York, and Tennessee, in making girls' flag football a state-sanctioned high school sport.

My longtime friend and colleague, Steve Young, began coaching his daughter’s High School flag team last season. After watching the girls improve and then excel at an amazing pace, the NFL Hall of Fame QB insisted that football truly is a girl’s sport. He suggests “Once you take away the physicality of tackle ball, plays are like beautiful pieces of choreography and their ability to quickly process information kept the plays flowing the defense on its heels”.     

The Future of Flag Football

Simply put, the NFL’s #1 priority is growing flag football and the inclusion of women's flag football in the Olympics is a game-changer for the sport. It will undoubtedly attract new players and increase interest from sponsors, media outlets, and fans. As the sport continues to grow, it has the potential to become a mainstream athletic option for girls and women, offering them a rewarding and empowering experience.

Marvella: A Flag Football Hub

The Marvella sports complex in Newton County, Indiana, is a testament to the growing popularity of flag football. By offering a training and competition curriculum specifically designed for girls and young women, Marvella is providing a valuable resource for athletes in the region. Such facilities play a crucial role in nurturing talent and supporting the development of women's flag football.

As the popularity of women's flag football continues to soar, it is clear that the sport has a bright future. With its inclusion in the Olympics and the growing number of dedicated facilities like Marvella, flag football is poised to become a major force in the world of women's sports.