Girls’ flag football is experiencing explosive growth both locally and nationally at the high school and college levels, and this surge in excitement was on full display at Saint Vincent College this past Saturday.
Thanks to the Pittsburgh Steelers, six high schools and seven colleges came together for a groundbreaking event marking the kickoff of the Girls Flag Football season.
Since laying the groundwork in 2022, the Steelers have been instrumental in establishing girls’ flag football programs at high schools across the Pittsburgh region. The team has invested over $250,000 in their development, helping fuel their rapid expansion.
Former Steelers tight end Matt Spaeth believes the investment is already showing excellent returns.
“I love the game,” Spaeth said. “I have daughters. I think it’s fantastic. It’s growing the game, and it’s a positive development for everyone.”
What began with just six high school teams has now expanded to over 50 teams this season. In an exciting milestone, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association has voted to recognize girls’ flag football as a state-sanctioned sport. This year, over 100 high school teams will compete across the state.
The sport’s growth is not limited to high schools—colleges and universities are also embracing flag football, partly due to the efforts of players like Eve Majewski, who played a key role in founding the University of Pittsburgh’s flag football team.
“For me, it’s so important,” Majewski shared. “It’s helped me grow in confidence since I was young. And it shows people that girls play football. We play flag football, and we dominate at it.”
Over 30 states are now offering either sanctioned or pilot flag football programs, with the sport growing at an unprecedented pace. Flag football’s rapid rise is so significant that it’s already being considered for inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The Role of College Flag Football in Women’s Sports
Growth at the Collegiate Level
Girls’ flag football is not only growing at the high school level but is also making waves at universities across the country. Colleges and universities are increasingly recognizing the value of offering flag football as a competitive sport for women, expanding opportunities for young athletes to showcase their skills at the collegiate level. One such example is the University of Pittsburgh, where a dedicated team of athletes led by passionate player Eve Majewski helped establish the university’s flag football program, laying the groundwork for other schools to follow suit.
As more schools embrace the sport, the number of collegiate flag football programs continues to rise. These programs provide scholarships and an official platform for female athletes to pursue their passion for football, further bridging the gap in collegiate sports opportunities for women. Flag football at the college level is not only increasing visibility for female athletes but also fostering a competitive environment where young women can thrive in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
Student Athlete Stories
Eve Majewski’s journey in flag football is a testament to the sport’s growing impact on young female athletes. As a key figure in the founding of the University of Pittsburgh’s flag football team, Majewski’s story highlights the drive and dedication required to launch a collegiate program. Her experience in flag football has empowered her with confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of teamwork. “Flag football has been an important part of my life,” Majewski said. “It’s not just a game; it’s a statement that girls can play football too, and we’re excelling at it.”
Majewski’s story is just one example of how college athletes are shaping the future of girls’ flag football. Other players across the country are following in her footsteps, leveraging the sport to further their education while also paving the way for the next generation of female athletes. The rise of college flag football programs is providing women with the chance to compete at a high level, showcasing their talent, and opening doors for even more growth in the sport. These stories will continue to inspire future athletes to take part in flag football and push the boundaries of women’s sports.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the significance of the Steelers launching the 2025 Girls Flag Football season at Saint Vincent College?
The event marks the official kickoff of the 2025 season for girls’ flag football in the Pittsburgh region. It celebrates the sport’s rapid growth at both the high school and college levels and highlights the Steelers’ commitment to expanding it and creating opportunities for female athletes.
How did the Pittsburgh Steelers contribute to the development of girls’ flag football in the region?
Since 2022, the Pittsburgh Steelers have invested over $250,000 in establishing and expanding girls’ flag football programs in local high schools. They were instrumental in laying the foundation for the sport’s growth in the area.
How many teams participated in the kickoff event at Saint Vincent College?
The event featured six high schools and seven colleges, showcasing the growing interest and participation in girls’ flag football.
What makes the 2025 Girls Flag Football season unique?
The season is unique because it represents a new milestone for girls’ flag football. The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) officially recognizes it as a state-sanctioned sport, and over 100 high school teams participate statewide.
How has girls’ flag football grown in Pennsylvania?
The sport has expanded rapidly, with more than 50 high school teams in the Pittsburgh region alone and over 100 teams statewide. The PIAA’s decision to sanction the sport in Pennsylvania further amplifies this growth.
What role did former Steelers tight end Matt Spaeth play in this event?
Matt Spaeth, a former Steelers tight end, is a vocal supporter of girls’ flag football and has shared his enthusiasm for the game’s growth. His investment in and passion for the sport helps raise awareness and encourages young athletes to get involved.
Why is girls’ flag football important for young female athletes?
Girls’ flag football provides young athletes with the opportunity to engage in a sport traditionally dominated by men. It helps to promote gender equality in athletics and offers a platform for girls to develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Conclusion
The launch of the 2025 Girls Flag Football season at Saint Vincent College represents a monumental step forward for the sport, both locally and nationally. Thanks to the dedication and investment of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the sport has gained tremendous momentum, offering young female athletes more opportunities to showcase their skills and passion for football. From the establishment of high school programs in the Pittsburgh region to the expansion of college teams, the Steelers’ efforts have played a pivotal role in the sport’s growth.
With over 100 high school teams set to compete across Pennsylvania and the sport’s anticipated inclusion in the 2028 Olympics, girls’ flag football is on the path to greater recognition and success. The 2025 kickoff event was not just a celebration of the season’s start but a powerful reminder of the progress made and the bright future ahead for female athletes in flag football. As more schools and communities embrace this dynamic sport, the Steelers’ continued commitment ensures that the growth of girls’ flag football will continue to inspire and empower the next generation of athletes.