Utah Pioneers High School Girls Flag Football League
SALT LAKE CITY – For decades, football has been largely inaccessible to female athletes. This fall,the Utah High School Girls Football Association (UHSGFA) is changing that,launching a groundbreaking flag football league for high school girls.
the league welcomes girls in grades 8-12, offering a new avenue for athletic participation and fostering a sense of team spirit.
Ryan NeVille, founder of the UHSGFA, initiated the project in August of last year. Inspired by his daughter’s experience in a tackle football league, he envisioned a similar chance for girls in Utah. A trip with a group of girls to the Utah Summer Games in Cedar City solidified his belief in the potential of flag football.
“witnessing these girls compete on that stage for the first time was incredible,” NeVille stated.”The Summer Games demonstrated the growing momentum of this movement – and it’s only just beginning.”
The rise of women’s flag football also presents unique post-high school opportunities, a contrast to the limited pathways in women’s tackle football.
“A significant advantage of flag football over tackle is the availability of professional leagues,” Neville explained. “Salt Lake City boasts a professional women’s flag football league, and the sport is even being introduced to the Olympics. the timing is perfect, and Utah is brimming with talented athletes.”
competitive games against teams from across the nation are slated to begin in september.While 17 states have already officially recognized flag football as a high school sport, Utah is currently considering sanctioning. NeVille and his team are dedicated to advocating for this change this fall and in the years to come.
Beyond potential sanctioning, the UHSGFA believes flag football is an ideal sport for girls with little to no prior athletic experience.
“Football truly has a place for everyone,” Neville emphasized. “we’ll certainly find our quarterbacks, but there’s a role for all skill sets. You don’t need to be the fastest or strongest to excel. It provides a welcoming habitat for girls to join a team and contribute. Football is a team sport where everyone has a vital role.”
The UHSGFA aims to equip girls with the skills and experience needed to pursue flag football at the collegiate level or beyond, while simultaneously advocating for the sport’s official recognition in Utah.
Registration for teams is open until September 8th, with the season kicking off on September 15th. Interested individuals can find more details on the Utah High School Girls football Association website.
