Alabama State to launch women's flag football team

On Tuesday, the Alabama State University (ASU) Athletics Department announced that it is launching a competitive women's flag football program during the 2024-25 academic year.

Former State Senator Quinton T. Ross Jr. is the President of ASU. President Ross says that the University is doing so because of the incredible interest there is at both the collegiate and global level for women's flag football.

"The International Olympic Committee recently included men's and women's flag football in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and likewise, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is closely monitoring the emerging sport of women's flag football," said President Ross. "Adding this program to our institution allows Alabama State University to align its sports offerings to the global standard and to the future of an emerging sport. The addition of women's flag football will provide both current and incoming students a valuable opportunity to further their education while participating on the gridiron."

The National Football League (NFL) claims that student participation by women, ages 6 to 12 years-old, in flag football has increased 38 percent since 2015. In the U.S., approximately 474,000 young women played flag football last year: an increase of more than 60 percent from 2019. Over 85 high schools in Alabama alone have initiated flag football in their athletic programs and they held its first state championship in December of last year.

Dr. Jason Cable is the ASU athletics director.

"We look forward to doing our part at The Alabama State University to assist in growing the sport locally and regionally," said Dr. Cable. "We can't wait to see the impact of women's flag football as one of our sports offerings for the Hornet Nation's student-athletes. We're enthusiastic that Alabama State University is breaking new ground by launching a highly competitive women's flag football program. The University recognizes the immense interest in women's flag football at the collegiate level and is proud to offer its students a valuable opportunity to excel in the sport."

"Flag football is a fantastic way for young women to develop their social skills, as well as their athletic abilities, while also encouraging exercise and physical fitness," said Cable. "The University is proud to be the first Division 1 Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) school to offer a women's flag football program."