In an exciting development for women's sports, the Vikings and the NFL have teamed up with six NCAA institutions in and around Minnesota to establish a new women’s flag football league. This initiative aims to provide greater opportunities for female athletes and promote the sport at the collegiate level. The participating schools are located across South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. The project has garnered significant interest from students and administrators alike, with many seeing it as a stepping stone toward broader recognition of women's flag football. Financial support from the Vikings and the NFL will ensure these programs can thrive, setting the stage for future growth in this emerging sport.
Details of the New Women's Flag Football League
In the vibrant spring season, a groundbreaking event is unfolding in the world of collegiate sports. Six prestigious educational institutions—Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Concordia College; Gustavus Adolphus College; Bethel University; the University of Northwestern, St. Paul (UNW); and the University of Wisconsin, Stout—are joining forces with the Minnesota Vikings and the NFL to inaugurate a women’s flag football league. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for women’s athletics.
Valerie Xiong, a senior at UNW, expressed her enthusiasm for this opportunity, hoping it would inspire more girls to consider playing football. Growing up, she noticed that boys had ample opportunities to play, but not girls. However, she found joy in playing flag football with her father and later joined co-ed leagues. When UNW announced the formation of a women’s team, Valerie was among the first to sign up. She is one of over 20 women at UNW who will participate in the league this spring.
Matt Hill, the director of athletics at UNW, highlighted the growing popularity of women’s flag football across the nation. He mentioned that the Vikings approached UNW about six months ago, offering financial support totaling $140,000 to assist the league and participating schools. UNW received $15,000 to kickstart its program. The response from students has been overwhelming, with over 20 women signing up within days of the announcement.
Aaron Kahl, UNW’s head women’s basketball coach and assistant athletic director, noted the excitement among current athletes and potential recruits. Many players are eager to transition from basketball to flag football once their season ends. The addition of this program has already influenced recruitment efforts, attracting prospective students interested in playing flag football.
The Vikings have invested heavily in promoting girls’ flag football, allocating over $600,000 to reduce financial barriers and support transportation, facilities, and coaching expenses. Emily Weinberg, the Vikings youth and high school football coordinator, emphasized the importance of this collegiate opportunity in completing the pipeline from youth to Olympic levels. With over 20 million people playing flag football globally and participation doubling among girls aged 6-17 in the past two years, this league represents a significant step forward.
UNW will host the inaugural jamboree on April 5, followed by a second jamboree on April 12. The championship tournament will take place at TCO Stadium on April 26, marking the culmination of this historic season.
From a journalist’s perspective, this initiative signifies a pivotal moment for women’s sports. It underscores the increasing recognition and support for female athletes in traditionally male-dominated fields. By providing platforms like this, we can foster a more inclusive and diverse sporting environment. This league not only offers immediate opportunities for current students but also paves the way for future generations of women athletes to thrive in flag football and beyond.