News Summary
Georgia is set to transform high school athletics with the push to expand girls flag football programs statewide. Advocates, including State Representative Brent Cox and representatives from the Atlanta Falcons, gathered to promote House Resolution 347, which aims to create more opportunities for young female athletes. With over 7,000 girls participating in flag football, the initiative seeks to foster gender equity in sports and support the growth of athletic programs for young women.
Atlanta, Georgia — High school sports in Georgia may be on the verge of a significant transformation with the call to expand girls flag football programs statewide. Advocates, including State Representative Brent Cox and representatives from the Atlanta Falcons, convened for a news conference at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to rally support for this initiative. Their efforts follow the recent passage of House Resolution 347 during the 2025 legislative session, which aims to promote gender equality in high school athletics.
The proposed expansion of girls flag football teams in high schools is modeled after successful existing college women’s flag football teams in the state. This initiative marks a pioneering move, being the first resolution in the United States to push actively for the establishment of girls flag football programs at the high school level. The goal is to create more opportunities for young female athletes in a sport that is gaining traction nationwide.
During the conference, Representative Cox highlighted the critical role that athletics play in both personal and community development. He noted that flag football is emerging as one of the fastest-growing sports in America, offering young women unique chances to build teamwork, physical fitness, and leadership skills. The initiative is expected to influence thousands of young athletes, with current statistics showing over 7,000 girls participating in the sport across more than 270 high schools in Georgia during the 2024 season.
Currently, Georgia has officially recognized girls flag football as a high school sport since 2020, following the Atlanta Falcons’ pilot program introduction in 2018, which started with just 19 teams in Gwinnett County. As of now, over 300 high schools across Georgia are preparing to take part in girls flag football, with an additional 45 schools launching new programs in 2025. This growth is largely supported by the Atlanta Falcons, the Georgia High School Association (GHSA), and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, all committed to expanding opportunities for female athletes.
Participants at the conference expressed their enthusiasm for the sport and shared their aspirations to compete at collegiate and Olympic levels. The 2028 Summer Olympics, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, will feature flag football for the first time, further sparking interest in the sport among young athletes. The current athletes underscored the sense of community and friendships established through flag football programs, enhancing their high school experience.
The unanimous bipartisan support for House Resolution 347 in the Georgia House of Representatives reflects a collective recognition of the importance of gender equity in sports. Moreover, the Atlanta Falcons and the Blank Foundation have committed to providing grants to facilitate the launch and expansion of girls flag football programs across the state.
The ongoing push for girls flag football is not merely about expanding a sport but also about fostering an environment where young women can thrive in athletics. The resolution is anticipated to yield significant positive effects on the growth of sports programs for girls, ultimately enhancing their engagement in physical activities and promoting a culture of inclusivity in school sports.
As the initiative gains momentum, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential for transformative changes in high school athletics, creating lasting impact for future generations of young female athletes in Georgia.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Georgia Advocates for Girls’ Flag Football in High Schools
Georgia High Schools Boost Girls Flag Football Programs
Atlanta Falcons Expand Girls Flag Football Programs
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Flag Football
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google Search: Girls flag football Georgia
- Atlanta Falcons
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flag Football
- WAFF 48 News
- Google News: Georgia high school sports
