U.S. women's flag football gains momentum with the Olympics in 2028 on the horizon, experiencing rapid growth.
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Flag football, a more accessible and safer alternative to traditional American football, is exploding in popularity among U.S. girls, fueled by the excitement of its potential Olympic debut in 2028 and support from influential organizations. Michael Colt, coach of the Staten Island Giants, a top under-18 team, describes the surge as "insane," akin to the rapid growth of pickleball among adults.
Colt, a 44-year-old veteran coach, co-founded the Giants in 2019 and has led them to numerous national titles in youth competitions, even producing players for the national team. Despite initial struggles to gain recognition and backing, the team now boasts financial support from the NFL's New York Giants.
The rise of flag football mirrors the trajectory of the Giants. Developed as a safer alternative to collision-prone tackle football, flag was somewhat obscure six years ago. Yet, participation skyrocketed to around 270,000 girls aged 6 to 17 by 2024, according to USA Football, the organization overseeing U.S. tackle and flag football.
The NFL's backing is significant, especially since flag football's scope may still come as a surprise to the uninitiated, particularly its opportunities for girls. 14-year-old Brielle Caetano, a seasoned player since kindergarten, often leaves people "in shock," as they learn about the scholarship opportunities available in flag.
"Football has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated sport," notes 16-year-old Annie Falcone. "But flag football has experienced exponential growth among women of all ages."
In flag football, offensive players are "tackled" by pulling flags worn around the waist. No blocking is allowed, reducing the risk of injury while focusing on running and throwing skills.
"The growth of flag football is simply astounding, and it's being led primarily by women and girls," said Scott Hallenbeck, USA Football's CEO. "In my entire sports career, I've never witnessed a sport scale up as rapidly as we're seeing with flag."
Hallenbeck credits much of the growth to the NFL, which is actively promoting the game. This includes organizing a national flag tournament for boys and girls in July 2025, complete with sponsors and a TV broadcasting contract.
Although the NFL is the most-watched professional league in the U.S., it has struggled to gain traction outside the country. However, flag football could potentially change that, as it has the potential to become an international game-changer.
"They're really pushing flag to expand fandom and opportunities globally and, of course, focusing on its growth here in the U.S.," says Hallenbeck.
Gaining inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is a key part of the NFL's strategy, and it's already showing results. "It's a source of motivation for me and the girls right now," says Falcone.
The NFL is already looking beyond the Olympics, with plans to establish professional flag leagues for men and women in the coming years. "They're actively seeking sponsors," says Colt. "I believe it's likely we'll see a professional sport by 2032."
This massive surge in youth, high school, and collegiate participation, combined with the Olympic spotlight and structural advantages, places flag football as a transformative force in women's sports. As athlete pools grow deeper through Olympic inclusion and growing college participation, professional league opportunities are expected to emerge.
Positioning flag football as a gender-equitable, lower-risk, and more accessible alternative to tackle football, its increasing prestige from competitive events, and the backing of influential organizations have fueled its recent growth among U.S. girls.
- The NFL's backing is significant in the rise of flag football, particularly since many are unaware of the scholastic opportunities available in the sport.
- The Staten Island Giants, a top under-18 flag football team, have gained recognition and financial support from the NFL's New York Giants, mirroring the growth of flag football.
- Influential organizations, like USA Football, have observed an astounding growth in flag football, particularly among women and girls, with flag football having the potential to become an international game-changer.
- Flag football, as a more accessible and safer alternative to traditional American football, has been exploding in popularity, fueled by the potential Olympic debut in 2028 and the increasing prestige of its competitive events.
- Structure advantages, Olympic inclusion, and growing college participation have positioned flag football as a transformative force in women's sports, with professional league opportunities expected to emerge as a result.
- With the NFL's focus on expanding fandom and opportunities globally, and plans to establish professional flag leagues for men and women, the growth of flag football definitely signifies a shift towards a more inclusive and gender-equitable sports landscape.
