BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Girls’ flag football is rapidly gaining popularity in the Treasure Valley as Optimist Youth Football kicks off its second season, offering young athletes a league designed specifically for them. This year, the league is expanding to include three age groups, hoping to attract even more participants.
Gary Bassett, executive director of Optimist Youth Football, said, “We started out with 60 girls a year ago in our spring, and we will likely be over nearly 100 girls for this spring. So that’s a big increase.”
This season will feature three leagues: one for 8- to 9-year-olds, another for 10- to 11-year-olds, and a varsity league for 12- to 13-year-olds. Games are scheduled for May, with practices beginning in April.
Sam Hayes, co-director of Girls Flag 5’s with Optimist Youth Football, encouraged participation, saying, “Envision yourself becoming a different version of yourself and learning new things and learning new people. I would say, just take that leap and get dropped off and give it a chance and really open up your mind. You could find some lifelong friends and find a sport that you could end up getting a scholarship and change your life.”
Organizers note that flag football is not only growing locally but is booming nationwide. With the sport set to debut at the 2028 Olympics, there is hope that more girls will get involved early.
Loren Wilson, co-director of Girls Flag 5’s with Optimist Youth Football, said, “Now that it’s coming to the national level, they see, oh, it is something. That flag is a big thing. A lot more people are getting that publicity and jumping on board, understanding that it’s not just a few little girls in the backyard throwing a football.”
Registration is currently open, with the first in-person jersey fitting scheduled for this Saturday. Interested participants can sign up HERE.
This content is reposted from the source: https://idahonews.com/news/local/girls-flag-football-gains-momentum-in-treasure-valley
