The Colts have expanded their high school girls flag football league in Indiana from eight to 27 teams, with games starting on August 24, 2024. The league aims to provide more opportunities for girls in sports and hopes to make flag football a sanctioned high school sport in Indiana. Additionally, the Colts provided substantial support to the teams, including grants, coaching memberships, and equipment.
In a significant move to promote gender equality in sports, the Indianapolis Colts have expanded their high school girls flag football league to include 27 teams across five divisions in Indiana. This expansion aims to provide more girls with the opportunity to play and compete in flag football, a sport gaining global recognition and even set to feature in future Olympics.
Starting with eight teams in 2023, the Colts' initiative has grown to 27 teams this year. The expansion includes teams from Indianapolis, South Bend, and other regions, structured into five divisions. Each division will kick off their season in early September, with the Indy 1 Division starting on August 24. The Colts have committed to supporting the league with grants for coaching stipends, travel, and equipment, alongside covering USA Football coaching memberships for all participating schools.
Kalen Jackson, Colts Vice Chair & Owner, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in sports, stating that the league aims to build momentum for women's participation in flag football globally. With the sport's inclusion in the Olympics on the horizon, the Colts are positioning their league not only as a competitive platform but also as a catalyst for broader acceptance and recognition of women's flag football.
The Colts' efforts to establish flag football as a sanctioned high school sport in Indiana could transform the landscape of high school sports in the state. By providing young women with equal opportunities to engage in competitive sports, the Colts are fostering a more inclusive sporting environment. The success of this league could potentially influence other states to adopt similar initiatives, further promoting gender equality in sports across the country.
The expansion of the high school girls flag football league by the Indianapolis Colts marks a significant step towards gender equality in sports. By providing more opportunities for girls to participate in flag football, the Colts are not only promoting physical activity but also empowering young women to engage in competitive sports. This initiative could serve as a model for other states and potentially lead to nationwide changes in how sports are structured at the high school level.
"Everyone should have a chance to take part in our great sport, so we're pleased to open the game of flag football to high school girls in Indiana for the second year." - Kalen Jackson, Colts Vice Chair & Owner