In a pioneering move for women’s sports, the Atlantic East Conference is set to embark on its inaugural varsity women’s flag football season this spring. This initiative positions the conference as the first in NCAA history to formally recognize flag football as a varsity sport, laying a foundation that could lead to the eventual sanctioning of flag football as an official NCAA championship sport. The optimism surrounding this development reflects a broader momentum towards inclusivity and the growth of women’s athletics across the nation.
The strong push towards establishing women’s flag football in the Atlantic East is further underscored by critical support from the NFL. As part of its commitment to foster the growth and popularity of flag football, the NFL has collaborated with RCX Sports, its flag football operator, to provide funding and organizational support for the Atlantic East’s new venture. This multi-faceted partnership signifies a strategic effort by the NFL not only to enhance youth participation in the sport but also to mainstream women’s sports at the collegiate level, a goal that has garnered widespread endorsement from various sectors of the athletic community.
A significant facet of this initiative is the Philadelphia Eagles’ involvement. By hosting the Atlantic East’s media day event to celebrate the season’s kickoff, the team highlights its dedication to promoting female participation in sports. Julie Hirshey, the Eagles’ vice president of community relations, remarked on the importance of this historical moment for the Atlantic East, emphasizing how opportunities like this pave the way for more inclusive and empowering experiences for young female athletes.
Initially introduced as a club sport in 2024, flag football in the Atlantic East is transitioning to a full-fledged varsity sport for the upcoming season. The quick evolution of this program underscores how rapidly flag football is gaining traction at educational institutions. The inaugural season will see seven schools—Centenary University, Eastern University, Holy Family University, Immaculata University, Marymount University, Neumann University, and Penn State Schuykill—competing in both a regular season and playoff structure. This competitive format will not only enhance the sporting experience for participants but also bolster the visibility of women’s flag football in the broader athletic community.
The championship crown for the club season tournament in 2024 was clinched by Marymount University, an indication of the emerging talent within this new league. The absence of athletic scholarships in Division III remains a hurdle, but the NFL’s International Women’s Flag Football Scholarship Program, established in 2023, represents a vital opportunity for international players aspiring to compete in U.S.-based institutions offering flag football.
Flag football is currently classified under the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program—a crucial step towards achieving official championship status. For a sport to graduate from this designation to full sanctioning, it must meet certain thresholds, including the sponsorship of at least 40 universities at the varsity level. As of now, flag football’s popularity among young girls indicates a promising trajectory; approximately 500,000 girls aged 6 to 17 participated in flag football in 2023, marking a remarkable 63% increase since 2019. This growth, coupled with the NFL’s active engagement, emphasizes the sport’s potential to thrive within the NCAA framework.
The Atlantic East Conference’s inaugural season for women’s flag football reflects a transformational moment not only for the conference but also for women’s sports as a whole. As institutions begin to embrace and invest in women’s athletic opportunities, the hope of seeing flag football recognized as an official NCAA championship sport grows stronger. With significant efforts from the NFL and a rising number of participants across the country, the future of women’s flag football is undoubtedly bright. This initiative heralds a new chapter for aspiring female athletes, fostering an environment where their dreams and sports aspirations can flourish on and off the field.