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Fairfax County Public Schools will pilot girls flag football at every high school beginning in fall 2025 through a partnership with the Washington Commanders.
Students interested in participating should contact their school’s activities office.
The launch comes as flag football gains momentum nationwide. The game is now a college scholarship sport and will make its Olympic debut during the 2028 Summer Games.
Students who recently attended a Washington Commanders flag football clinic described the sport as a chance to discover a new passion and challenge traditional expectations. One participant called the experience “very empowering,” adding, “I felt like I was blazing a trail.”
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid, who attended the clinic, thanked the Commanders for supporting the initiative. She said athletics can promote physical fitness, resilience, teamwork, positive mental health and a sense of belonging. The growing number of collegiate flag football teams could also create scholarship opportunities for students.
Girls flag football is the latest addition to FCPS athletics. Other sports introduced in recent years include middle school cross country and track and field, along with high school girls wrestling and boys volleyball.