Unlocking New Pathways: Pennsylvania Embraces Girls' Flag Football as an Official High School Sport

In a groundbreaking move, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has officially sanctioned girls' flag football as a high school sport, opening up new opportunities for female athletes across the state. This decision, driven by the state's NFL teams, aims to encourage more young women to take to the field and explore the sport's potential.

Empowering the Next Generation of Female Athletes

A Collaborative Effort: NFL Teams and the PIAA

The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA), the governing body for high school athletics in the state, has approved the inclusion of girls' flag football as an official sport, starting in the 2025-26 school year. This decision was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the state's NFL teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have been instrumental in driving the growth of the sport.

The PIAA's approval came after the league reached the required threshold of at least 100 participating teams across the state. This milestone was achieved through the success of the Eagles' and Steelers' respective flag football leagues, which have seen a surge in participation from female athletes. The Eagles' league alone boasted 65 participating schools, while the Steelers' league had 36 teams, demonstrating the growing interest and enthusiasm for the sport.

Jeff Lurie, the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, expressed his excitement about this milestone, stating, "This is not just an important day for the Eagles and Steelers, but for the sport of football and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." He further emphasized the organic growth of the sport, crediting the participants, administrators, coaches, officials, and parents who have played a crucial role in raising the profile of girls' flag football.

Unlocking New Opportunities: The Path to College and Beyond

The sanctioning of girls' flag football as an official high school sport in Pennsylvania will have far-reaching implications. It will open the door for school districts to add the sport to their athletic programs, allowing students to compete for a state championship. This, in turn, will create a pipeline of talent for the college game and beyond, providing female athletes with new pathways to pursue their athletic aspirations.

The impact of this decision is already evident in the nationwide surge in flag football participation. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, the 2023-24 academic year saw a remarkable 105% increase in girls' flag football participation, with nearly 43,000 participants across the United States.

Don Smolenski, the president of the Philadelphia Eagles, recognized the significance of engaging young athletes at this age, stating, "That engagement at this age; you make a lifetime fan in this age bracket. And if more are playing the game and enjoying the game — and taking away the lessons that the game provides — the better that is for the game and for the National Football League as a whole."

A Growing Movement: Pennsylvania Joins the Ranks

Pennsylvania's decision to sanction girls' flag football as an official high school sport aligns with a broader trend across the country. The state now joins a growing list of states that have incorporated the sport into their high school athletic programs, including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Nevada, New York, and Tennessee.

This surge in interest has even caught the attention of the International Olympic Committee, which announced plans to make flag football an official Olympic sport, for both men and women, at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This recognition further underscores the growing popularity and legitimacy of the sport, paving the way for even greater opportunities for female athletes.

Pennsylvania's embrace of girls' flag football as an official high school sport represents a significant milestone in the journey towards greater gender equity and inclusivity in sports. By providing young women with the opportunity to compete and excel in this dynamic and fast-paced game, the state is opening up new pathways for female athletes to showcase their skills, develop their talents, and inspire the next generation of sports enthusiasts.