A historic day unfolded at Hughes Middle School on Saturday as the first-ever Middle School Girls’ Flag Football tournament took place in Long Beach. The event, championed by teacher Teri Collins and attorney Devon Lyon, saw enthusiastic participation from several local schools. Sponsored by Lyon Legal, WorkSafe, Trusted Investigations, and Long Beach Friday Night Lights, the tournament provided a platform for young female athletes to showcase their skills. The LA Rams also contributed significantly, funding referees, providing coaching support, and awarding MVP honors. Through competitive matches and team spirit, this event highlighted the growing interest in girls' flag football and paved the way for future opportunities in high school and beyond.

The vision for this pioneering tournament was born from the passion of Teri Collins, a dedicated teacher and coach at Hughes Middle School. Recognizing the enthusiasm among girls for playing football, Collins teamed up with Devon Lyon to organize an event that would not only provide immediate competition but also spark long-term interest in the sport. “We’ve seen so many girls eager to play football,” Collins noted, emphasizing the need for dedicated leagues. Lyon added, “This tournament aims to generate excitement around flag football, encouraging girls to pursue it through high school and possibly even college.”

The tournament featured teams from various middle schools across Long Beach, including Hughes, Cubberley, Lindbergh, IVA, Newcomb, Stevens, and Stanford. Matches were held throughout the day, with each game showcasing the talent and determination of the young athletes. Highlights included the early morning victories of Hughes A over Cubberley and Lindbergh’s shutout against IVA. As the day progressed, the intensity of the games increased, culminating in thrilling semifinals and a championship showdown between Hughes A and Stanford. The Owls emerged victorious, securing a 27-12 win in a hard-fought final.

Beyond the immediate thrill of competition, the event served as a catalyst for broader change. By providing exposure and experience, it aimed to foster a lasting interest in flag football among young girls. Collins emphasized the importance of creating more opportunities for girls to play, noting that co-ed teams often limit their involvement. With flag football now an official part of the Moore League and CIF Southern Section, and its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the potential for growth is immense. Athletes like Aaya McLyn, a former Hughes student and current Long Beach Poly quarterback, exemplify the community’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of female football players.

The success of this inaugural tournament underscores the growing demand for girls' flag football programs. By offering a dedicated space for young athletes to compete and learn, it sets the stage for expanded opportunities at both the middle and high school levels. The hope is that such events will inspire more districts to establish girls-only teams, ensuring greater visibility and participation in the sport. Through collaboration and support, Long Beach has taken a significant step toward empowering young female athletes to pursue their passion for football.