Kansas High School Girls FLAG Football Season Kicks Off 🎉🏈

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On Wednesday, September 3, the highly anticipated Kansas High School Girls FLAG Football season officially launched, featuring a remarkable 29 high schools that will compete over a span of six weeks. This increase from just 11 schools in its inaugural season is a testament to the growing popularity of the sport among young athletes in the region.

Record Growth in Participation 📈

In its second year, the Kansas High School Girls FLAG Football League is poised for a thrilling season. The expanded roster of participating schools reflects a commitment to promoting and nurturing female talent in sports. The climax of the season will involve an exciting tournament scheduled for October 18, 2025, hosted at Olathe East High School. Throughout the season, a total of 10 schools will serve as event venues, making this an inclusive and exhilarating experience for players and fans alike.

"We've witnessed remarkable growth in our efforts to expand FLAG Football to high schools across Kansas and Missouri," stated Lara Krug, Executive Vice President and Chief Media & Marketing Officer. "The commencement of our second season highlights our vision to inspire the next generation of women in sports—encouraging them to dream big, chase their ambitions, and know that they can achieve anything."

Competing Schools 🏫

Here’s the impressive list of schools participating this season:

Baldwin
Bishop Miege
Bishop Ward
F.L. Schlagle
Gardner Edgerton
J.C. Harmon
Lawrence
Lawrence Free State
Maize
Maize South
Mill Valley
Olathe East
Olathe South
Osage City
Osawatomie
Piper
St. Thomas Aquinas
Sumner Academy
Washington
Wellsville
West Franklin
Wichita East
Wichita Heights
Wichita North
Wichita Northwest
Wichita South
Wichita Southeast
Wichita West
Wyandotte

This diverse lineup showcases the growing interest and enthusiasm for girls FLAG Football across various communities in Kansas.

Celebrating Success from the Previous Season 🏆

Last year was a memorable one; 11 schools participated with 13 teams in the inaugural season. The St. Thomas Aquinas Saintes claimed the title of the first-ever championship team, triumphing over Sumner Academy of Arts & Science with a score of 32-20 at Olathe East High School in October 2024.

Recognizing Outstanding Coaches 🎖️

The influence of coaching cannot be understated. Coaches steering these teams are also in contention for accolades such as the Kansas City Chiefs High School Coach of the Week Award. This recognition celebrates local coaches who significantly contribute to their teams' on-field accomplishments while fostering leadership skills and personal growth among student-athletes. Four FLAG Football coaches in Kansas were nominated during the previous season, showcasing the exceptional talent in coaching across the league.

Growing Recognition of the Sport 🌟

In recent developments, the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) revealed that nearly 74% of respondents from member schools identified girls FLAG Football as an emerging sport. Alongside Missouri, Kansas is one of 17 states piloting programs promoting this exciting endeavor. Furthermore, 17 schools have officially sanctioned girls FLAG Football, granting it the status of a varsity high school sport.

With its skyrocketing popularity at all levels, there is an invigorating sense of commitment to advancing the sport and facilitating participation among girls of all ages.

Collegiate Growth in FLAG Football 🎓

On the collegiate front, the growth pattern mirrors that of high schools. More than 100 colleges and universities now provide club or varsity FLAG Football across the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA. Moreover, over 65 NCAA-affiliated schools currently sponsor FLAG Football, including Alabama State, which proudly became the first Division I and HBCU to offer scholarships aimed at promoting the sport.

FLAG Football's Bright Future 🌍

FLAG Football is rapidly emerging as the fastest-growing youth sport across the nation. In fact, it will make its Olympic debut during the Los Angeles Games in 2028! According to the International Federation of American Football, around 2.4 million kids under the age of 17 engage in organized FLAG Football within the United States, with countless others participating worldwide. Currently, NFL FLAG comprises over 1,600 teams across all 50 states, amplifying the sport's outreach.

For those interested in pioneering or promoting Girls FLAG Football in their respective high schools, there are abundant resources available to get started. Bringing this empowering sport to more girls not only develops athletes but also builds a community of support, encouragement, and success.

Let’s celebrate this exciting season of growth, camaraderie, and sportsmanship! 🙌🏈