Girls ages 8 to 13 in Idaho now have the opportunity to play flag football in a league of their own, thanks to Optimist Youth Football and The Treasure Valley Women’s Football League. The league, which is the first of its kind in the state, aims to provide young girls with the chance to learn the fundamentals of football, boost their confidence, and potentially open doors to other sports.
The launch of this new league reflects a nationwide trend of increasing participation of girls in flag football. The NFL reported a 63% increase in the number of young women playing the sport in 2022 compared to 2019. This growth has been driven by the recognition of flag football at various educational levels, with 11 states sanctioning it at the high school level and some colleges offering scholarships for female players.
The inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has further sparked interest in the sport across the country. With the official start of Idaho’s girls flag football league approaching on April 29, there is a promising future ahead for young female athletes looking to embark on their sporting journey. Practices began on April 15, and those interested in registering can visit Optimist Youth Football’s website for more information.
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Photo credit idahonews.com