In an unprecedented stride for women’s athletics, the Atlantic East Conference is set to launch its inaugural varsity women’s flag football season this spring. This pivotal decision marks a significant milestone as it positions the Atlantic East as the first NCAA conference to elevate women’s flag football to a varsity level. The anticipation surrounding this development not only heralds a new chapter in collegiate sports but also raises hopes for eventual NCAA sponsorship and formal recognition as a championship sport. Rebecca Mullen, the interim commissioner of the Division III Atlantic East conference, expressed her optimism regarding this venture, stating, “To see it continue to grow and buy into that is really a unique opportunity.”
The strategic partnership with the NFL plays a crucial role in this initiative. The NFL has been actively looking to expand its reach through flag football and has prioritized women’s participation in the sport. With the financial backing from RCX Sports, the NFL’s flag football operations partner, the Atlantic East Conference has received the necessary resources to kickstart this meaningful endeavor. The collaboration underscores a commitment to developing grassroots programs that support female athletes, aiming to create a pathway for them to pursue collegiate sports.
The efforts to establish women’s flag football as an official varsity sport have received backing from various stakeholders. One notable proponent is the Philadelphia Eagles, who have long championed girls’ participation in flag football. The Eagles are not only sponsoring a girls’ flag football league but also playing an active role in promoting the sport’s legitimacy at the high school level. By hosting the Atlantic East’s media day for flag football, they are celebrating the launch of this season, signifying a community-wide commitment to inclusivity in sports. Julie Hirshey, the Eagles’ vice president of community relations, stated, “This is a milestone moment… Opportunities like this foster a more inclusive experience on the field of play and empower young female athletes of all ages and backgrounds.”
This year marks the transition from flag football being a club sport to fulfilling the requirements of a full varsity level competition. The upcoming season will feature seven institutions: Centenary University, Eastern University, Holy Family University, Immaculata University, Marymount University, Neumann University, and Penn State Schuykill. Notably, Marymount University earned the championship title during the club season in 2024, highlighting the competitive spirit that will define this inaugural varsity year.
While the NCAA Division III does not offer athletic scholarships, initiatives like the International Women’s Flag Football Scholarship Program, introduced by the NFL through RCX Sports in 2023, create unprecedented opportunities for international players aspiring to play in the United States. These scholarships allow talented athletes from around the globe to attend schools that promote women’s flag football as a varsity sport. This effort aligns seamlessly with the NFL’s broader mission to propel flag football into the Olympic spotlight by 2028.
The NCAA has categorized flag football within its Emerging Sports for Women program, a status that places it on the trajectory towards full NCAA recognition. To achieve official championship status, a minimum of 40 institutions must sponsor the sport at the varsity level. As of now, with participation numbers soaring—approximately 500,000 girls aged 6 to 17 played flag football in 2023, reflecting a 63% growth since 2019—this objective seems increasingly attainable.
The rapid growth of flag football positively impacts the landscape of sports for women, marking a shift toward broader opportunities and representation. The National Federation of High Schools recognizes the momentum, noting that more than 750,000 individuals participate in NFL flag football leagues nationwide—a testament to the sport’s widening appeal.
Rebecca Mullen articulates this sentiment perfectly, recognizing the crucial role that dedicated investment and fervent support from various institutions play in the development of women’s sports. “I’m excited for the support and the growth across the board of other schools, and other conferences really buying in to giving women’s sports the big opportunity that it deserves,” she shared, illuminating the shared vision of a more equitable sports environment.
As the Atlantic East Conference prepares to embark on this historic season, the launch of varsity women’s flag football reverberates beyond the conference’s borders. It signifies the dawn of a new era, one in which all young athletes, regardless of gender, can aspire and thrive on the field.