Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It will be added to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. More than 50 colleges are expected to have girls flag football teams by 2028 in response to overwhelming interest.
That’s why the Indianapolis Colts and the Jim Irsay family committed $1 million to growing the girls high school flag football program in Indiana. In order to make flag football a sanctioned sport with the Indiana High School Athletic Association, 100 high schools must participate in the program.
They’re calling the new campaign “Road to 100” and they’re nearly halfway there.
In 2023 the Colts formed a high school football league with eight teams, and in 2024 the league expanded to 27 teams. It’s a statewide network to grow the game in Indiana and help connect young athletes to NFL FLAG-sanctioned programs.
There are now 60 Indiana high schools, including Beech Grove, Warren Central, Pike and beyond, that have committed to offering a girl’s flag football program, with more signing up every day.
When a new team is launched, the Colts help offset costs with funds for equipment, uniforms, training and coaching.
“We want to drive participation to the game and continue to support and amplify the game,” said Andy Matis, senior manager of football development at the Indianapolis Colts. “As we grow, we’re able to incorporate more audience, which is a key focus.”
Unlike tackle football, play consists of two 24-minute halves. It’s a seven-on-seven format and players rotate positions throughout the game. The field is smaller than a standard tackle football field, 40 yards in width and 100 yards in length. Of course, instead of tackling the opponent, the goal is to pull a flag from their waistband. Point scoring is similar, with six points for a touchdown.
It’s safe to say that in the past, young women have not had the same elite-level options in football as young men have had, but when the Colts opened up the opportunity for a women’s league, they were met with plenty of interest.
In fact, 50% of the girls coming out for flag football tryouts have signed up for their first high school sports program ever.
“Even in youth leagues they’ve consistently offered coed options, but there’s two girls in the midst of all the boys coming out for these,” Matis said. “They might not feel inclined even though they’re interested. Now, having your own space in sports, you don’t have to ask if you love the game enough to try tackle. You have your space in the sport.”
Young women from the original eight teams have enjoyed the nature of the game and the relationships formed through the process, just like many other tight-knit sports teams. It’s a memory they’ll never forget.
Players from the Colts team have been supportive as well, happy to see the sport continue to grow in unique and inclusive ways.
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin has recently been named Global Flag Ambassador for the NFL’s commitment to growing flag football across the nation. Franklin has been working with the league over the past few years, and wants to help drive support and make the program fun.
“This is just a great opportunity,” Franklin said. “Everyone loves the game and football has taught me so much about life. This program gives young women the opportunity to learn those lessons and build those bonds.”
He’ll be hosting a clinic for flag football teams in the state soon and hopes to invite a few individuals from the U.S. team to get involved.
“Last year I had the chance to help coach girls flag football players at Lucas Oil Stadium and I was so impressed by the skill, tenacity and passion of these young ladies,” Franklin said. “I look forward to helping grow flag football in Indiana and around the world, and providing more opportunities for girls and boys alike to learn, play and connect through this awesome sport.”
Like most team sports, flag football offers physical and mental health benefits, hones teamwork skills, and teaches discipline and resilience.
Just in the past few years, reports from high school athletic directors across the state have been positive. Young women who were having a tough time in school are now getting better grades. Attendance is up and the empowerment they feel is evident.
“We’re building the next generation of strong adults,” Matis said. “The appetite is there. The interest is there. To see these girls come out and bring their competitive fire to this sport has been really inspiring.”
