High school girls flag football grows rapidly across Central New York

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Once seen as a sideline activity, high school girls flag football is now one of the fastest-growing sports in Central New York.

In 2023, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association announced girls flag football would be recognized as a state championship sport for the following spring.

More than two years later, girls flag football, with support from organizations like the NFL and Nike, has skyrocketed in popularity and participation across Central New York.

Although the spring sports season has already concluded, the New York State High School Football Coaches Association has decided to host a summer championships flag football tournament to allow girls across New York State to continue playing the sport they have quickly learned to love.

NYSHSFCA Executive Director Kevin DeParde said there was a 25 percent increase in team sign-ups (16 to 20), and said there was about a 32 percent increase in player registration (190 to 250) this year compared to the inaugural tournament last summer.

“We had more teams this year than we did last year, and we had significantly more players registered,” he said.

Syracuse East Quarterback Jimiah Terrell, who participated in the NYSHSFCA Summer Championship tournament this past weekend, said flag football provides a positive outlet for girls who are looking to build a sense of belonging.

“I think most girls don’t have a sport they can fit into, and flag is a nice sport for girls to play,” she said. “Not all girls want to play tackle and junk.”

Terrell said support from the New York Giants, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills has made a huge difference in getting girls to sign-up as well.

Steve Brice, Syracuse East flag football head coach, said funding from the NFL and Nike has spearheaded a sport growing at such a fast rate.

“With anything when you get grants or financial assistance, it definitely helps you get some programs going,” he said. “And then all you got to do is push the interest and get the girls to show up and everything’s already lined up.”

Will Cutler, Liverpool flag football head coach, said girls enjoy the alternative to playing tackle with the boys.

“It’s becoming more popular,” he said. “Girls want to play football all the time. I work at Liverpool; we have girls who play guys football, and I had a couple that were like ‘Hey, let’s do flag football. I’d rather do that than the guys football so we could actually play.'”

DeParde said flag football is both a recreational avenue and a lot of fun for high school girls.

“It’s something that’s been in the making for a while, and it’s another option for our female athletes,” he said. “The other thing about the game that we’re learning is that it’s a lot of fun, and they’re really enjoying it, and it’s something new.”

The tournament’s growth reflects the sport’s broader expansion across the region.

Minisink Valley went on to win the tournament and claimed back-to-back championships for 2024 and 2025. Local Section III schools that participated in the tourney included Syracuse East, Liverpool, Baldwinsville, Cicero-North Syracuse, Oneida, Fayetteville-Manlius, and Central Square.

DeParde said they are excited to be back at Cortland State next summer in 2026 for the third annual NYSHSFCA Flag Football Summer Championship.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT: High school girls flag football grows rapidly across Central New York

Natural sound of players cheering.

Hunter Caparelli: “Since New York state approved high school girls’ flag football two years ago, the sport has seen a tremendous rise in participation. Will Cutler, Liverpool flag football head coach, says girls enjoy the alternative to playing tackle with the boys.”

Will Cutler: “It’s becoming more popular. Girls want to play football all the time. I work at Liverpool; we have girls who play guys football, and I had a couple that were like ‘Hey, let’s do flag football. I’d rather do that than the guys football so we could actually play.”

Hunter Caparelli: “Steve Brice, Syracuse East flag football head coach, says funding from the NFL and Nike has spearheaded a sport growing at such a fast rate.”

Steve Brice: With anything when you get grants or financial assistance, it definitely helps you get some programs going. And then all you got to do is push the interest and get the girls to show up and everything’s already lined up.

Hunter Caparelli: “Hunter Caparelli, NCC News.”