The Atlantic East Conference is launching its first varsity women’s flag football season this spring, becoming the first NCAA conference to do so. The move comes with support from the NFL, which has identified growing flag football as a priority.
Initial funding and guidance were provided by the NFL through RCX Sports, including the Philadelphia Eagles, who sponsor their own girls’ flag football league. “We congratulate the Atlantic East on making history,” said Eagles vice president of community relations Julie Hirshey. “This is a milestone moment that fosters an inclusive experience for young female athletes.”
The conference will feature seven schools in its inaugural season and is transitioning from a club sport to a full varsity sport with a regular season and playoff structure. The launch marks optimism that flag football will be recognized as an official championship sport by the NCAA.
Flag football has seen significant growth, with 500,000 girls ages 6-17 playing in 2023, a 63% increase since 2019. The NFL counts over 750,000 participants nationwide, and all franchises sponsor their own leagues. The Atlantic East’s move brings it one step closer to achieving NCAA-sanctioned sport status, which requires at least 40 schools sponsoring the sport at the varsity level.
Source: https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/44092735/atlantic-east-launches-women-flag-football-varsity-sport