Beaufort County schools launch new girls’ flag football league

Beaufort County, South Carolina has made history by launching the first-ever girls flag football league, with support from the Carolina Panthers. The NFL team donated $15,000 to fund six new teams, and provided equipment kits and Nike uniform grants. The league kicked off on Wednesday, with girls from six high schools - Battery Creek, Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, May River, and Whale Branch - celebrating the new season.

Riley Fields, Director of Community Relations for the Carolina Panthers, explained that the team has seen a strong desire from girls to play flag football since 2021. The program aims to provide these girls with access and opportunities in a sport that previously didn't exist. Interestingly, the leagues have also opened doors for players in other aspects of their high school experience.

"Anywhere from 25 to 50% of girls that are competing are playing their first-ever high school sport," said Fields, acknowledging how flag football is engaging them in school in a different way and teaching them valuable team skills. For the teams to be recognized as varsity sports, they must play for two years. As flag football gains popularity and is set to be a demonstration sport in the 2028 Summer Olympics, players have more opportunities to continue the sport at the college level.