What began as a small initiative by the New England Patriots has quickly turned into a statewide phenomenon.
Girls High School Flag Football in Massachusetts is experiencing unprecedented growth, soaring from just 8 teams in the 2023 season, to 23 last season.
This past April, Girls High School Flag football featured a remarkable leap forward with a record 51 teams competing across the state.
This surge has been propelled by the tireless advocacy of the Patriots organization, State Representative Rodney Elliott (D-Lowell) and dedicated coaches and players from across the state.
“Together we have all worked to level the playing field and the response and participation is nothing short of amazing,” Elliott says. “Girls are coming out in droves, are inspired and developing remarkable confidence.”
“We have just begun the fight,” Elliott adds, in response to the denial of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) sanctioning Girls Flag Football as a varsity sport.
Despite their efforts the MIAA voted against sanctioning flag football this past year.
“This has been sanctioned by 15 states and will be in the 2028 Olympics, how can MIAA not support it being a varsity sport after seeing the explosive interest by athletes across the state?” Elliott continued.
Representative Elliott has also appealed to Governor Healey, an accomplished athlete.
Lowell now has three high schools involved in flag football; Lowell High School, Greater Lowell Technical High School and Lowell Collegiate Charter School, all of which made it to the playoffs this week.
In a heart-stopping match that took place Tuesday night, the GLTHS Gryphons secured their spot in the championship tournament.
In a nail-biting finish, they scored a game-winning touchdown with less than a minute left on the clock, overcoming a (6-8) deficit to clinch the game (13-8). Their resilience and determination have made them a formidable contender as they prepare for the championship tournament.
Highlighting the competitive spirit of the league, the championship tournament is set to take place tonight at Boston College’s Alumni Stadium at 5 PM, underscoring the growth and importance of the game. The anticipation builds as teams contend for the coveted title in what has become a thrilling showcase of young athletic talent.
Joining Greater Lowell Tech in the finals will be seven other strong teams: St. Mary’s, Leominster, AyerShirley, Westford Academy, New Mission, Boston Latin and Peabody. Each team has demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the season, setting the stage for an exciting championship showdown.
As the Massachusetts Girls High School Flag Football season continues to grow in popularity, it has not only provided young female athletes with a platform to showcase their talent but has also fostered a sense of community and support among the teams. With the New England Patriots along with State Representative Rodney Elliott backing this initiative, the future looks bright for girls’ sports in the Commonwealth.
Be sure to catch the action this Thursday as these talented athletes take the field at Boston College Alumni Stadium, all competing for the championship trophy and secure their place in Massachusetts sports history.
