Pennsylvania officially adds girls flag football as high school sport
- The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association has sanctioned girls' flag football as a high school sport starting in the 2025-26 school year.
- A total of 100 participating teams were required for approval, achieved through leagues organized by the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.
- This decision is expected to enhance opportunities for female athletes and contribute to the sport's growth, aligning Pennsylvania with other states that have adopted girls' flag football.
On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association officially sanctioned girls' flag football as a high school sport, set to begin in the 2025-26 school year. This decision follows a significant push from the state's NFL teams, particularly the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers, to promote female participation in athletics. The PIAA required a minimum of 100 teams to participate statewide, a goal achieved with 65 schools in the Eagles' league and 36 in the Steelers' league by April. The growth of girls' flag football has been remarkable, with participation increasing by 105% from the previous year, totaling 42,955 girls in the 2023-2024 school year. This surge reflects a broader trend of rising interest in the sport, which is non-contact and emphasizes skill development. The Eagles' team president highlighted the importance of engaging young girls in sports, suggesting that early involvement fosters lifelong fans and players. The inclusion of girls' flag football in Pennsylvania aligns the state with others that have recognized the sport, such as Florida, Georgia, and California. This move not only allows for interscholastic competition but also paves the way for schools to compete for state championships, potentially creating a talent pipeline for collegiate athletics. The decision comes at a time when flag football is gaining international recognition, especially with the International Olympic Committee's announcement to include it as an official sport in the 2028 Los Angeles Games. This development is expected to further enhance the visibility and growth of girls' flag football across the nation.