A significant stride toward promoting girls' flag football has been taken by the Indianapolis Colts with a new exhibit at Lucas Oil Stadium. This showcase highlights the rapid expansion of girls' flag football across Indiana, featuring imagery of pioneering athletes and symbols representing over 100 high school programs. The display complements other tributes to Indiana high school football traditions located within the stadium's southwest corner.
Progress on the Colts’ "Road to 100" initiative continues to gain momentum. This campaign aims to support the establishment of 100 high school girls' flag football teams statewide by 2025. To achieve this, the Colts have formed the Colts Girls High School Flag Football League, which began with eight teams in 2023 and expanded to 27 teams in 2024. Achieving "emerging sport" status requires participation from 20 schools, a threshold the league is set to meet for an official vote in May 2025. Once designated as an emerging sport, reaching sanctioned status will necessitate involvement from 100 schools. To bridge this gap, the Jim Irsay family has committed $1 million to fund the launch of these teams.
Beyond expanding team numbers, the Colts are actively fostering interest in flag football among schools and communities. By March 2025, 51 high schools had pledged to field teams, with financial assistance available to offset startup costs that typically range from $5,000 to $8,000 per team. The Colts offer up to $10,000 in funding to each new participant joining the "Road to 100." Through partnerships with Gatorade and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, the Colts aim to inspire both players and fans, ensuring equal opportunities for girls to engage with the sport. This commitment reflects a broader vision of inclusivity and empowerment in sports.
The Colts' efforts exemplify the power of community engagement and strategic investment in advancing athletic opportunities for young women. By nurturing flag football, they not only promote physical fitness and teamwork but also cultivate leadership and confidence among participants. This initiative underscores the importance of creating equitable platforms where all students can thrive, setting a benchmark for future generations and inspiring similar movements nationwide.