Changing the Game
By Bayleigh Toth Sep. 23, 2026
With just a couple minutes before the game begins, the girls are overwhelmed with excitement; it is the biggest football game of the season and the crowd is the greatest it has ever been. But instead of putting on heavy helmets and protective gear, they only need to strap on their vibrant flags before running out onto the field.
Flag football is a noncontact form of football in which players stop opponents by removing a flag attached to their waist. As explained by the Olympics, the sport began as recreation for U.S. soldiers during World War II before spreading beyond the military. The International Women’s Flag Football Association reports that the first women’s flag football tournament was held in 1974, which had four teams.
Now, the sport has rapidly gained popularity among girls in high schools nationwide. According to USA Football, over 230,000 girls ages 6 to 17 played flag football back in 2023, which was a 44% increase from 2014. In the 2025-26 school year, girls’ flag football is ranked sixth among California high school girls’ sports by participation.
“I wanted to try a new sport that I had not heard of before and I ended up making new friends. Playing with my teammates helped me improve as an athlete, as flag football requires communication and teamwork,” Claire Jung ‘29 said.
The growth of girls’ flag football has coincided with diminishing participation in some other girls’ sports. Based on data from Newsday, girls’ flag football grew by 70% from 2023 to 2026 in the Long Island area, while participation in girls’ lacrosse, softball and track and field all declined. The sport has also not experienced the same increase among boys. As indicated by the National Federation of State High School Association, 825 boys played high school flag football last school year, compared with 68,847 girls.
The school’s team has developed substantially in just two years. In its debut season, the team had about 30 players, but now has about 45 in its third season. In 2025 the team took second place in the Division Leagues.
“Flag football is no longer a sport just meant for boys or men, young women can now also play and enjoy it. Women’s sports are generally limited to a few options and this sport allows for girls to try something new. To be honest, I can not ask for a better group of young women to coach. They're so supportive and motivating,” Annie Larks, English Department said.
Girls’ flag football has also expanded into college athletics. In January 2026, the NCAA added women’s flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program. In June 2026, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) approved women’s flag football as its 30th championship sport, beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. As said by Inside Higher Ed, liberal arts colleges use the sport as a recruiting tool and to expand opportunities for women under Title IX, the federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education.
“I think it is a wonderful opportunity for girls and I love the fact that they’re getting it. It was a long time coming.” Traci Perez, SPED Department said.
The sport’s rise has also extended internationally. In October 2023, the International Olympic Committee approved both men's and women's flag football for the 2028 program in Los Angeles. Canada has qualified for both the men’s and women’s tournaments, while Italy has qualified for the men’s tournament and Mexico has qualified for the women’s tournament. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, flag football is played by more than 20 million people in more than 100 countries.
Girls’ flag football is changing the landscape of women’s sports. As the sport continues to expand, it is creating new opportunities for athletes to compete. Its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028 could accelerate that growth even further.
About the Contributor
Bayleigh Toth
Staff Writer
Bayleigh Toth is a sophomore at Leland High School and works in the writing and media department for The Charger Account. When not at school, she's probably in a movie theater, reading, or working on a craft project.
Mira Reddy
Artist
Mira Reddy is a junior at Leland High School and an artist for The Charger Account. She loves swimming, watching romcoms and spending time with friends in her free time.
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