Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with over 20 million participants across 100 countries — and girls are leading the charge! In the U.S., around 474,000 young women between ages 6 and 17 played flag football last year. With the support of NFL teams, 17 states have officially sanctioned girls flag football as a varsity sport, creating more opportunities for female athletes.
The Baltimore Ravens are leading this movement in Maryland. What began in 2023 as a pilot program with 10 teams in Frederick County has now expanded to 92 schools across seven counties for Fall of 2025. This includes new programs in Calvert, Charles, along with expanded participation in Baltimore City. Through strategic partnerships and continued investment in resources, uniforms, and program support, the Ravens are helping to grow the game within public schools statewide — with the ultimate goal of statewide sanctioning for play in Fall of 2026. This fall, all roads lead to the Bank (M&T Bank Stadium) where the Maryland High School Girls Flag Football Tournament will be held on November 7 & 8.
