Over 350 girls and boys flag football teams from across the world congregated at Grand Park in Westfield for the 3rd Annual NFL Flag Championships Presented by Toyota on July 23.
With Good Morning America on-site for the first of the four-day event, college coaches intently scouting and recruiting players, family from all over supporting their players and even the Chiefs mascot, K.C. Wolf, in attendance, one thing was made abundantly clear: not only is the interest in flag football serious, but the investment from the NFL and the media partners is, too.
It is already one of the newest Olympic sports for LA 2028 and has become one of the fastest-growing prep sports in several states across the country, including Indiana. The growth is real, and it is here to stay.
With nearly 20 games happening at the same time, there was always a highlight play to watch at any given time. With shortened fields and 30-minute games, points happen early and often, leading to a high-tempo pace and consistent full-field scores.
While the two Indiana teams, Lawrence North, representing the Tennessee Titans, and Indy Elite, representing the Indianapolis Colts, went a combined 1-5 in pool play, the experience and inclusion of the event are what the tournament is all about. Of course, both teams are capable of turning it around once tournament play starts, but the odds are certainly stacked against the girls, who will be playing against club programs that are simply more developed than anything Indiana can offer.
The losses will certainly sting and leave a bad taste in the mouth, but the exposure received from being on the fields is next level. With collegiate girls’ flag coaches from all over flocking to Westfield to scout the talent pool, offers and opportunities will be presented to these girls that were deemed impossible not that long ago.
The mere opportunity for girls to even play in a tournament, even if the outcome is a loss, is an incredible milestone for the sport of football that has taken far too long to become a reality.
Following the three games of pool play by each team, players from just about every team in the tournament partook in a college showcase, highlighted by 22 players from the Hoosier state. Players were able to display arm strength, athleticism and flag-pulling abilities to a plethora of coaches running the drills and watching from the sidelines. Once again showing that this sport will only continue to skyrocket as opportunities like this become more and more accessible.
Three of the state’s top talents — Ben Davis’ Greta Earnest, Beech Grove’s Aniyah Nevers and New Prairie’s Andrea Loza — saw this opportunity pay dividends firsthand. Each was rewarded with $8,000 scholarships by NFL Flag and Toyota to further show their commitment to the future of the sport.
A big driver in the national push for girls flag has been RCX Sports Foundation CEO and executive director of NFL Flag, Izell Reese.
“That was all the motivation that was needed from us,” Reese said. “Every NFL team, every club, every player, we wanted (to improve the sport) because they wanted it. (These girls) are the real pioneers, and we just needed to crack the door open for them.”
The time to invest is now. Not just in girls flag, but in women’s sports as a whole. From 8U all the way to the pros, no matter what level or what sport, these girls and women are more than capable of competing just like, if not better than, the boys. So, either hop on the train now or watch as it leaves close-minded individuals stuck in the past. Girls’ flag is here to stay, both in the state and all over the world, and it is just getting started. If you disagree, admission is free at Grand Park, so come check out the talent for yourself.