Girls flag football is growing across Texas

Girls are increasingly joining the typically male-dominated sport of football despite fewer leagues and opportunities.

The big picture: The NFL is investing in female flag football, and the Olympics is planning the sport's debut in 2028.

• Most women who want to play turn to flag football, but tackle is gaining traction.

The latest: Nationwide, 17 states' athletic associations have sanctioned girls varsity flag championships.

Zoom in: In Central Texas, a program supported by the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans just launched its second season.

• More than 250 girls from 18 high schools in the greater Austin area are participating in the program, as the sport aims for sanctioning from the UIL, which governs interscholastic competition.
• "This is such a special moment and an incredible opportunity for our female student-athletes to get out there, compete and be part of something bigger than themselves," Austin ISD Academic Coordinator Crystal Victorino said in a news release.

Meanwhile, CTX Sports runs a league in Leander, starting April 12.