The Atlantic East Conference is preparing to embark on an exhilarating journey as it launches its inaugural varsity women’s flag football season this spring. This groundbreaking endeavor marks a historic moment, positioning the Atlantic East as the very first NCAA conference to embrace women’s flag football as an official varsity sport. This initiative is rooted in the hope that flag football will eventually gain recognition as an official NCAA championship sport, a landmark achievement for women’s athletics. As Rebecca Mullen, interim commissioner of the Division III Atlantic East conference, expressed in her conversation with ESPN, the aim is to foster growth at the NCAA level: “To see it continue to grow and buy into that is really a unique opportunity.”
A Boost from the NFL: Support and Funding
The success of this initiative could not have been realized without the substantial support from the NFL. The league has prioritized the expansion of flag football as a means to broaden its reach and promote inclusivity within sports. The NFL, through its partnership with RCX Sports, not only provided initial financial backing for the Atlantic East Conference’s launch but also offered essential guidance regarding the structure and rules governing the game. Moreover, local franchise involvement, especially from the Philadelphia Eagles, signifies a collective commitment to enhancing opportunities for young female athletes. Julie Hirshey, the Eagles’ vice president of community relations, encapsulated this sentiment by stating that fostering such opportunities cultivates a more inclusive atmosphere and empowers aspiring female athletes from diverse backgrounds.
The Transition from Club to Varsity: Schools Joining the Movement
Flag football was first introduced as a club sport in the Atlantic East in 2024, and now, as it transforms into a recognized varsity sport, the framework for a formal competitive structure is being established. The upcoming season, which commences with seven participating schools, showcases a blend of enthusiasm and competitive spirit. The schools involved—Centenary University, Eastern University, Holy Family University, Immaculata University, Marymount University, Neumann University, and Penn State Schuylkill—are set to engage in a structured regular season culminating in playoffs. This shift not only elevates the profile of flag football but also reinforces the commitment to women’s sports at the collegiate level. Notably, Marymount University laid early claim to success by winning the championship in the club season tournament in 2024.
While NCAA Division III institutions do not offer athletic scholarships, significant strides are being made to support aspiring athletes through programs like the International Women’s Flag Football Scholarship Program launched by the NFL in 2023. This initiative aids international players aspiring to study in the U.S. and participate in varsity flag football, thus broadening access to sports and education. Coupled with the ambitions of making flag football an Olympic sport by 2028, there exists a forward momentum that suggests a bright future for the game. The desire to elevate flag football to championship status hinges on its recognition in the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program—a designation that requires at least 40 schools to sponsor the sport at the varsity level.
The Surge in Popularity: A Growing Community
The popularity of flag football among young girls is marked by staggering growth rates. According to the National Federation of High Schools, approximately 500,000 girls aged 6 to 17 participated in flag football in 2023—a notable 63% increase since 2019. This rapid expansion positions flag football as one of the fastest-growing sports across the nation, demonstrating a significant shift in interest and participation levels. The NFL’s league also reflects this growth, with over 750,000 players engaged in its flag football programs nationwide, evidencing the sport’s explosive appeal and potential for continued expansion.
With the Atlantic East Conference setting a new benchmark for women’s athletics, the future of women’s flag football looks promising. As more schools and conferences jump on board, the collective effort towards sustainability and recognition of the sport is paramount. “I’m excited for the support and the growth across the board of other schools, and other conferences really buying into giving women’s sports the big opportunity that it deserves,” concluded Mullen. The ripple effect of this initiative is not just about sports; it’s about creating lasting opportunities for young women, allowing them to chase their athletic and academic aspirations in a supportive and recognized environment.