The Rise of Women’s Flag Football: the new collegiate sport
In recent years, women’s flag football has gained momentum at the high school and collegiate levels. What was once seen as a recreational activity is now a recognized competitive sport, offering young female athletes’ new opportunities to pursue their passions for athletics and even earn collegiate scholarships. Thanks to investment from the National Football League and steady growth, flag football will also become an Olympic competition for the first time in 2028.
Today, an increasing number of colleges and universities are introducing women’s flag football programs, proving the sport’s potential to become the next athletic pathway for aspiring student-athletes.
From Club Sport to College Sport
The rise of women’s flag football began with an increasing demand for competitive women’s sports. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) played a pivotal role in legitimizing the sport by announcing women’s flag football as an official varsity sport in 2020, in partnership with the NFL and Reigning Champs Experiences (RCX).
Since then, colleges and universities across the country have started to invest in flag football programs, offering scholarships to top talent. The introduction of these programs aligns with the broader movement toward expanding athletic opportunities for women, especially in sports traditionally dominated by male athletes.
Why Flag Football Has Gained Popularity
On the field, women’s flag football provides a competitive and strategic team environment that emphasizes speed, agility, and skill. Unlike traditional tackle football, flag football minimizes the risk of injury while maintaining the excitement and athleticism of the game.
“As a youth sports development expert and performance coach, I believe flag football is uniquely suited to support girls in their athletic development. With its emphasis on movement and speed, it enhances overall athleticism while complementing skills from sports like soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Flag football not only improves coordination and agility but also introduces movement patterns that strengthen and rehabilitate the body during the off-season.”
– Scott Lancaster, Head Coach and Director of Olympic Player Development
Today, more and more girls and women view flag football as an appealing option for athletes from various sports, including soccer, basketball, and track and field.
A New Avenue for College Scholarships
The rise of women’s flag football has led to potential scholarship opportunities for talented student-athletes. Traditionally, football scholarships have been exclusive to men’s tackle football, leaving female athletes with limited opportunities.
Organizations such as the NAIA and the NFL’s FLAG program have worked to establish pipelines that connect high school athletes to college programs. As more states introduce flag football at the high school level, the talent pool continues to grow, allowing college recruiters to scout and recruit standout players.
Asphalt Green Flag Football Club: Developing the Next Generation of Athletes
Just a few months ago, Asphalt Green strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of talented athletes by launching the Asphalt Green Flag Football Club.
Led by former NFL Senior Director of Youth & High School Player Development, and NFL Flag Founder, Scott Lancaster, the club includes a Club Team and an Elite Competitive team, which both offer a structured and competitive environment for young players to develop their skills, learn the game, and compete at a high level.
In addition, Asphalt Green Flag Football Club players get to serve as new ambassadors for the fast-growing sport, helping promote the game in New York City and on the national stage.
“In today’s oversaturated youth sports landscape, we’ve created a full-service club experience that prioritizes not just competition, but also physical development, injury prevention, and overall athlete well-being. Our focus is on building strong, resilient young women.”
– Scott Lancaster
In addition to the Flag Football Club, Asphalt Green offers developmental flag football for young athletes of all skill levels. If you think you’re ready to become part of the next generation of flag football ambassadors, check out all our flag programs below:
