Dallas Cowboys Launch High School Girls Flag Football Leagues Across Texas
Table of Contents
- Dallas Cowboys Launch High School Girls Flag Football Leagues Across Texas
- A Historic Announcement at AT&T Stadium
- Expanding Opportunities for Young Female Athletes
- Jersey Reveal and Media Day at AT&T Stadium
- Dak Prescott’s Support for Girls Flag Football
- Regional League Details and Participating School Districts
- Dallas ISD Superintendent Champions the Cause
- League Schedule and championship Tournament
- Collaboration in El Paso’s Region 19
- National Growth of Girls Flag Football
- Conclusion: A Game-Changing Initiative
- Dallas Cowboys Champion Girls’ Flag Football: Olympic Dreams and College Scholarships Take Center Stage
- Stephanie Kwok on the Rise of Flag Football
- Danny McCray’s Vision for Youth Football Advancement
- Strategic Partnerships Fueling Growth
- Nike’s Commitment to Gender Equity
- Bridgestone’s Support for the Southern Region League
- Oakley Coaches Clinic
- The fort worth ISD Pilot program: A Blueprint for Success
- Impacting Thousands of Female Athletes
- Dallas Cowboys’ Game-Changing Initiative: Empowering Girls through Flag Football
ARLINGTON, Texas — In a important move to bolster women’s sports, the Dallas Cowboys have announced the creation of regional High School Girls Flag Football Leagues throughout Texas. The announcement, made at AT&T Stadium, marks a substantial investment in the future of female athletes, with competitive play scheduled to begin in Spring 2025. This initiative aims to expand opportunities for young women in sports and promote the growth of flag football at the high school level.
Dallas Cowboys announce the formation of regional High School Girls Flag football Leagues.
A Historic Announcement at AT&T Stadium
The kickoff press announcement at AT&T stadium featured Dallas Cowboys co-Owner and Chief Brand Officer Charlotte Jones, alongside Quarterback Dak Prescott and National Football League Vice President of Flag Football Stephanie Kwok. the event underscored the numerous benefits of playing flag football, including physical and mental fitness, inclusivity, sportsmanship, teamwork, and increased confidence. The presence of key figures like Jones and prescott highlights the commitment of the Cowboys association to this initiative.
The initiative also highlights the increasing popularity of varsity girls flag football in Texas and the Dallas Cowboys’ advocacy for the sport’s official sanctioning by the Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL). Achieving UIL sanctioning would provide further legitimacy and support for the sport at the high school level.
Expanding Opportunities for Young Female Athletes
Charlotte Jones emphasized the rapid growth of girls flag football in Texas, stating:
The Dallas Cowboys are excited to see the exponential growth of varsity girls flag football in the State of Texas. As we first partnered with Fort worth ISD on their pilot program in 2022, the number of schools fielding teams has exploded.
Charlotte Jones,Dallas cowboys Co-Owner and Chief Brand Officer
Jones further highlighted the broader impact of the program,noting,”The life lessons and values these young ladies will learn from the game of football extend well beyond touchdowns and teamwork. We are also thrilled that with girls’ flag football becoming an emerging sport at the collegiate level, the game can now provide these young women a path to continuing their education at a higher level as well.” This statement underscores the potential for flag football to open doors for female athletes both on and off the field.
Jersey Reveal and Media Day at AT&T Stadium
Adding to the excitement,32 of the 54 Dallas-Fort Worth area high school girls flag football programs attended a special Jersey Reveal and Media Day at AT&T Stadium. Student-athletes had the opportunity to see their game jerseys for the first time and participate in a content photo and video shoot, capturing headshots, team photos, and engaging social media content. This event provided a memorable experience for the young athletes and helped generate buzz around the new leagues.
Dak Prescott’s Support for Girls Flag Football
Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott, a vocal advocate for the initiative, shared his personal connection to the cause:
The game of football has given me so much. Now, as a ‘Girl Dad’ myself, I want to thank the girls for paving the way today, and for breaking barriers to grow the game. It is indeed significant to have female role models in sports and I am thankful that the Dallas Cowboys and the NFL are helping create new opportunities. Having flag football as a way to motivate and inspire a healthy body and mind for girls is something we can all appreciate and support.
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys Quarterback
Prescott’s support as a prominent NFL player lends significant credibility to the initiative and highlights the importance of male athletes advocating for women’s sports.
Regional League Details and Participating School Districts
Over the past nine months, the Dallas Cowboys have collaborated with school districts and partners across Texas to establish varsity-level 7-on-7 programs, set to commence competitive play in Spring 2025. The participating school districts include:
- Dallas Independent School District – 22 Campuses
- Carrollton-Farmers branch Independent School District – 4 Campuses
- Crowley Independent School district – 2 Campuses
- Cedar Hill Independent School District – 1 Campus,2 Teams
- Arlington Independent School District – 6 campuses
- Uplift Education – 2 Campuses
- Duncanville Independent School District – 1 Campus
- DeSoto Independent School District – 1 Campus
- Fort Worth Independent School District – 15 Campuses,16 Teams
- Austin Independent School District – 13 Campuses
- El Paso Region 19 female Flag Football Pilot – 19 Campuses
The diverse range of participating school districts demonstrates the widespread interest in girls flag football across the state.
Dallas ISD Superintendent Champions the Cause
Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, Dallas ISD Superintendent of Schools, expressed her strong support for the initiative, committing all 22 Dallas ISD schools to participate in the upcoming season. She remarked:
My only regret is that they did not have girls flag football when I was growing up in Laredo. I was pretty good at ballet, but I bet I would have been even better at quarterback. I am grateful that this opportunity exists now,though,and I am counting on the 22 high schools in Dallas ISD to bring home the first girls flag football state championship in Texas history.
Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, Dallas ISD superintendent of schools
Dr. Elizalde’s personal anecdote adds a relatable and inspiring element to the announcement, emphasizing the importance of providing opportunities for young women in sports.
League Schedule and championship Tournament
The regional leagues will conduct games throughout March,April,and May at various locations,including The Star in Frisco,school campuses,and district facilities. The season will culminate in a championship tournament held at ford Center in Frisco in May. Hosting the championship at Ford Center provides a high-profile venue for the athletes to showcase their skills.
Collaboration in El Paso’s Region 19
In el Paso’s Region 19, the Dallas Cowboys are partnering with the NFL and Houston Texans to support 38 high school teams from eight West texas school districts as part of the Region 19 Female Flag Football Pilot and Championship. With support from the El Paso Sports Commission and the city of El Paso,the NFL hosted a kickoff event in February where participating schools “drafted” their NFL market team affiliation,with the Cowboys aligning with 19 schools and the Houston Texans with the remaining 19 campuses. This collaboration demonstrates a unified effort to promote girls flag football across the state.
National Growth of Girls Flag Football
As 2016, the NFL, its 32 clubs, and football partners have been actively working to increase high school girls flag football participation nationwide. These collaborative efforts have resulted in over 500,000 female participants between the ages of 6 and 17 playing flag football across the United States.
Currently, 14 state athletic associations have officially sanctioned girls’ flag football as a varsity sport. furthermore, over 50 colleges and universities are offering flag football as a women’s varsity sport across the NAIA, NJCAA, and NCAA, anticipating the sport’s debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The growing recognition of flag football at the high school and collegiate levels, along with its potential inclusion in the Olympics, signals a shining future for the sport.
Conclusion: A Game-Changing Initiative
The Dallas Cowboys’ launch of regional High school Girls Flag Football Leagues across Texas represents a game-changing initiative for female athletes. By providing increased opportunities, promoting physical fitness, and fostering teamwork, the Cowboys are empowering young women and paving the way for the future of girls flag football in the state. With the support of key figures like Charlotte Jones and Dak Prescott, and the collaboration of school districts and partners across Texas, this initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless young athletes.
Dallas Cowboys Champion Girls’ Flag Football: Olympic Dreams and College Scholarships Take Center Stage
The Dallas Cowboys are investing heavily in the future of girls’ flag football across Texas, creating pathways to college scholarships and even the Olympic Games. With support from the Gene and Jerry jones Family Foundation, the NFL, and corporate partners like Nike and Bridgestone, the Cowboys are launching regional high school leagues poised to impact approximately 2,000 female student-athletes this spring. This initiative aims to elevate flag football to a varsity-level sport statewide, sanctioned by the UIL.
Stephanie Kwok on the Rise of Flag Football
Stephanie Kwok, National Football League vice president of flag football, emphasized the sport’s surging popularity and its Olympic debut in 2028. She highlighted texas as a hotbed for talent, noting that six members of the USA Football Women’s Flag National Team are from the Lone Star State.
Flag football is one of the fastest growing sports, and that momentum has only accelerated with its inclusion in the 2028 olympics.Texas has always been a home of top football talent: six members of the USA Football Women’s Flag National Team hail from Texas. The new regional High School Girls Flag Football Leagues supported by the Dallas Cowboys will provide even more opportunities for girls to compete in flag football, earn a college scholarship, and vie for an opportunity to represent their country in the Olympics.
Stephanie Kwok, National Football League vice President of Flag Football
Kwok’s statement underscores the importance of the Cowboys’ investment in creating opportunities for young women to excel in the sport.
Danny McCray’s Vision for Youth Football Advancement
danny McCray, former NFL and cowboys defensive back, is at the forefront of this initiative as the manager of youth football development for the Cowboys. As 2022, McCray has overseen approximately 40 camps annually, encompassing football, flag football (for both boys and girls), cheer, and dance. His passion is driving the league’s success and growth.
McCray emphasized the importance of the Girl’s Flag Football League, highlighting the potential for scholarships and Olympic opportunities:
It’s huge. We’ve put a lot of work in to make sure these young ladies have the opportunity to play this game and perhaps get full scholarships to go to college and possibly play in the Olympics.It’s huge to see this get put together like this.We’re excited about it.
Danny McCray, Manager of Youth football Development for the Cowboys
He also acknowledged the contributions of charlotte Jones and the Gene & Jerry Jones Foundation, stating:
with the work Charlotte (Jones) has done and of course,the Gene & jerry Jones Foundation,it’s an example that onc the Cowboys get behind something,just how quickly everyone else does as well. The Cowboys have been at the forefront of this, and it’s helped move the needle and shine some light on this sport.
Danny McCray,Manager of Youth football Development for the Cowboys
Strategic Partnerships Fueling Growth
the Dallas Cowboys are collaborating with key partners to ensure the success of the girls’ flag football leagues. The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation and the NFL are providing crucial support, along with corporate partners such as USA Football, NFL FLAG, Nike, Bridgestone, Oakley, Kendra Scott, Gatorade, and DairyMAX.This collaborative effort aims to establish varsity-level programs across Texas, ultimately seeking UIL adoption.
Participating school districts are receiving grant funds to cover coaching stipends, start-up costs, team uniforms, equipment packages from USA Football, coaching education, and general support from NFL FLAG. This comprehensive support system is designed to remove barriers and empower schools to launch successful programs.
Nike’s Commitment to Gender Equity
Nike is demonstrating its commitment to gender equity by providing game jerseys for all schools participating in the Dallas Cowboys high school girls flag football leagues, at no cost to the schools or student-athletes. This contribution aligns with Nike’s ongoing efforts to promote girls’ participation in flag football and inspire the next generation of female athletes.
In addition to jerseys, Nike is offering student-athletes opportunities to learn more about the game through events like the annual Girls Flag Football Jamboree and a Girls Flag Football Kickoff Weekend on March 22 at B.F. Phillips Park in Frisco.
Bridgestone’s Support for the Southern Region League
Bridgestone is focusing its support on the southern Region League, providing grant funds for each school, including transportation stipends and game day logistic costs.As a visible symbol of their partnership, schools in the Southern Region will wear a special Bridgestone Dallas Cowboys patch on their jerseys.
Oakley Coaches Clinic
Oakley is hosting a girls flag football Coaches Clinic on March 4 at thomas Jefferson High School in dallas. The clinic will feature USA Football Master Trainers and Dallas Cowboys Youth Football development coaches, along with referees from the Texas Association of Sports Officials.
The fort worth ISD Pilot program: A Blueprint for Success
The Dallas Cowboys launched a pilot league for girls’ flag football in 2022,partnering with Fort Worth ISD. This program involved 16 teams and over 300 student-athletes and was partially funded by the Gene and jerry Jones Family Foundation, the NFL Foundation, and Nike. The Fort Worth ISD pilot served as a successful model for the Cowboys’ new regional girls flag football leagues across texas.
Impacting Thousands of Female Athletes
The high school programs supported by the Dallas Cowboys and their partners this Spring are set to impact approximately 2,000 female student-athletes through the game of flag football. This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of girls’ athletics in Texas.
Dallas Cowboys’ Game-Changing Initiative: Empowering Girls through Flag Football
Is the Dallas Cowboys’ new girls’ flag football league a mere publicity stunt, or a genuine catalyst for change in women’s sports? The answer, as you’ll discover, is far more compelling than you might imagine.
Interviewer (Senior Editor, world-today-news.com): Dr.Anya Sharma, you’re a leading expert in sports sociology and gender equity in athletics. The Dallas Cowboys’ investment in girls’ flag football leagues across Texas is significant. What makes this initiative stand out from previous attempts to promote girls’ sports?
Dr. Sharma: The dallas Cowboys’ initiative is indeed noteworthy. What sets it apart is its multifaceted approach. It’s not just about providing a platform; it’s about building a lasting ecosystem for girls’ flag football in Texas. Several factors contribute to its potential for lasting impact: the significant financial commitment, collaborations with various stakeholders, the focus on creating pathways to college scholarships, and its alignment with the growing interest in flag football internationally, even at the Olympic level. This isn’t a one-off event; it’s a long-term strategy designed to integrate girls’ flag football into the fabric of Texas high school athletics.
Interviewer: the involvement of high-profile figures like Charlotte Jones and Dak Prescott is undeniably impactful. How does celebrity endorsement influence the success of such programs?
Dr. Sharma: Celebrity endorsements wield immense power, especially in youth sports. The participation of Charlotte Jones, a prominent woman in the world of professional football, is particularly meaningful, showcasing a commitment to gender equality within the association itself. dak Prescott’s involvement, as a respected and admired athlete, sends a powerful message, conveying that men can and shoudl be advocates for women’s advancement in sports. This combined influence attracts media attention, inspiring young girls and encouraging broader community support. It also normalizes female participation in football beyond traditional stereotypes.
Interviewer: The article highlights the crucial role of partnerships, including Nike and Bridgestone. How do such collaborations enhance the sustainability and reach of the initiative?
Dr. Sharma: These corporate partnerships are crucial for long-term sustainability. Nike’s provision of uniforms removes a significant financial barrier for participating schools and families. Bridgestone’s focus on logistical support reduces operational burdens. This kind of collaboration extends the impact beyond mere participation,addressing the broader needs of players and school districts. Strategic partnerships like these ensure the long-term viability of the league and widen its overall reach. It also creates a positive ripple effect, encouraging similar collaborations by other corporate players within the sports industry at large.
Interviewer: The program intends to pave the way for UIL sanctioning. Why is official sanctioning so critically important for the future of girls’ flag football in Texas?
Dr. Sharma: UIL sanctioning grants girls’ flag football the same legitimacy and recognition as established high school sports. This translates to increased funding, better facilities, standardized rules and regulations, and broader opportunities for student-athletes hoping for athletic scholarships. It also brings a level of professionalization to the program management and reduces inequalities between girls’ and boys’ sports. With such backing, more schools will be incentivized to form teams, paving the way for a more balanced and inclusive athletic landscape. Essentially, it elevates girls’ flag football to a level playing field with its male counterparts.
Interviewer: The initiative also connects girls’ flag football with possibilities in collegiate and even Olympic competition. How realistic are these aspirations for participating student-athletes?
Dr. Sharma: These aspirations are increasingly realistic.The inclusion of flag football in the 2028 Olympics is a significant game-changer. The increasing number of colleges and universities offering flag football scholarships underscores the growing recognition of the sport as a viable pathway towards higher education. This initiative by the Dallas Cowboys puts Texas girls in a powerful position to tap into this expanding opportunity. For young female athletes with passion, skill, and determination, a college scholarship or even the Olympics are now considerably more attainable than before. Participation in such a well-structured and high-profile regional leagues significantly boosts their chances.
Interviewer: What are some key takeaways for those interested in supporting initiatives like this, whether through volunteer work, donations, or advocacy?
Dr.Sharma:
Increased financial support: Contributing to organizations that champion girls’ sports directly impacts their potential.
Volunteer coaching: Share your sports expertise to mentor passionate young players.
Advocacy for policy changes: Supporting initiatives that drive policy changes at the state level to increase equality in sports funding and opportunities.
Promoting awareness: Share this story and encourage your social circles to support girls’ sports.
Interviewer: What’s the ultimate long-term impact of this innovative initiative?
Dr. Sharma: The Dallas Cowboys’ initiative may very well serve as a model for other professional sports franchises and communities seeking to foster gender equality and empower young women through sports. The combination of large investment, grassroots participation, high-profile endorsements, and a focus on pathways to higher education sets a high bar. This, by example, may create lasting positive change within the arena of girls’ and women’s sports across the nation and possibly internationally.
Closing: This initiative by the Dallas Cowboys is more than just a sports program; it’s a powerful statement about the potential of girls and women in sports. Let’s engage in the commentary below and share how we can support such ground-breaking initiatives. Share your thoughts on social media using #CowboysGirlsFlagFootball #GirlsInSports #GenderEquityInSports.