Atlanta Falcons helps Alabama sanction girls flag football
After aiding the inception girls’ flag football across high schools in Georgia, the Atlanta Falcons — with support from Nike — turned their attentions to empowering young girls in The Yellowhammer State.
In a groundbreaking win for girls across the state, high schoolers will be able to participate in high school flag football across Alabama in fall of this year. Thanks to the Falcons, the Blank Family Foundation, NFL Flag and Nike, Alabama’s high school girls will now have the opportunity to express themselves on the gridiron.
The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Central Board of Control proved critical in the final outcome, approving the proposal back in January. Ultimately, paving the way for the AHSAA to make it official.
"After discussions with the Atlanta Falcons for several months, we are excited to be adding this girls' sport for our membership. We think it will grow rapidly," said Alvin Briggs, Associate Executive Director of the AHSAA.
"The AHSAA appreciates the support, commitment and funding being provided by the Atlanta Falcons, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and NFL FLAG."
The Atlanta Falcons and Blank Family Foundation will financially contribute to the program while Nike will provide apparel for participating teams.
"We are thrilled to see girls' flag football continue to expand outside of Georgia. The goal has always been to grow the game," says Atlanta Falcons President and CEO Rich McKay.
"The need and desire for more girls' programming is there, and we are really excited the Alabama High School Athletic Association has agreed to add the sport and can now give young women more opportunities to play sports in high school. We look forward to seeing how far and wide we can expand the game of girls' flag football together."
AHSAA member schools will have the capacity to implement girls' flag football as a sport for the 2021-22 school year.
The championship game is scheduled for December where the two best teams will face off at the 2021 Super 7 State High School Football Championships in Birmingham, AL.