THE FLAG FOOTBALL STORY

• In the 1990s, when the NFL launched a global health and wellness initiative called Play Football, they had one goal: to make football accessible for all children—no matter their age, size, or gender. And this is where the idea for NFL FLAG began.

• In 1994, the NFL officially kicked off its first youth camp series at the New England Patriots’ stadium, where they introduced the rules of flag football and taught children how to play. Shortly after, leagues began to pop up nearby in Massachusetts—and they quickly took off. By the early 2000s, youth athletes all over the U.S. were participating in NFL FLAG, from school programs to local park districts to Girls Clubs.

• Girls are increasingly playing flag football due to its rapid rise as a popular, accessible, and inclusive team sport that promotes fitness, confidence, and strategy without the high-impact risks of tackle football. It offers opportunities for empowerment, college scholarships, and will be featured in the 2028 Olympics.