Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will introduce Girls Flag Football at all its high schools this fall, following a partnership with the Washington Commanders. The initiative encourages interested students to contact their school’s activities office for more information.
Flag football has seen increased popularity across the country in recent years. It is now recognized as a college scholarship sport and is set to become an Olympic event for the first time in 2028. The addition of Girls Flag Football at FCPS gives students a chance to participate in a new athletic opportunity. One student who attended a Washington Commanders flag football clinic said, “You never know what you’re going to fall in love with unless you try.”
Students involved in the sport have expressed that it means more than just playing; it also represents changing perceptions and opportunities. A participant described the experience as “Very empowering. I felt like I was blazing a trail.” Others noted that “times are changing” and encouraged girls to “be the changing factor,” whether by challenging traditional norms or exploring new interests.
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid attended the clinic and highlighted the benefits of sports participation: “I’m so excited to see Girls Flag Football take off at FCPS and I’d like to thank the Washington Commanders for supporting this important initiative. We know that sports offer a number of benefits. Beyond physical fitness, sports also build resilience, teamwork, positive mental health, and help students feel a sense of belonging. With a growing nationwide number of collegiate teams, it’s also a great opportunity for scholarships.”
The introduction of Girls Flag Football adds to other recent sports offerings at FCPS, such as middle school cross country and track and field, as well as high school girls wrestling and boys volleyball.
