Mar 23, 2026 - News
Girls' flag football rises in Richmond as sport expands
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Women are increasingly joining high school football teams, despite fewer leagues and opportunities.
Why it matters: Women's football is growing, and Richmond schools are getting in on the push.
State of play: At the high school level, 17 states' athletic associations have sanctioned girls varsity flag championships, and Virginia is among those with pilot programs in play.
- The Virginia High School League introduced girls' flag football last spring, per WRIC, with teams in Richmond and Henrico, including at Armstrong, Varina, Huguenot, Thomas Jefferson and Highland Springs.
- Then in the fall, Richmond Public Schools, in a partnership with Fit4Kids, expanded the program to eight schools, fueled in part by an investment from the Washington Commanders.
Zoom out: The NFL is investing in women's flag football, and the Olympics is planning the sport's debut in 2028.
Fun fact: Open High was last season's RPS flag football champion.