In recent years, girls high school flag football has surged in popularity across Northeast and Central Ohio, driven by the Browns. Launched in 2021, presented by Gatorade and in partnership with Bridgestone, this program aims to provide high school female student-athletes with opportunities to participate in one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
The Browns recognize the importance of equitable access to sports for all athletes, and through their collaboration with USA Football and NFL FLAG, they have created a comprehensive framework that not only promotes the sport but also enhances knowledge and skills among players, coaches and parents.
"The growth and evolution of Girls High School Flag Football since 2021 has been an incredible journey to experience and be behind the scenes," Browns youth football manager Hannah Lee said. "I've witnessed this sport transform from small rec teams into a fierce competition, with girls eager to elevate their game, pursue college opportunities, and now even compete in the Olympics."
The inception of the girls high school flag football program marked a pivotal moment for sports in Ohio. In its first season, the program featured just four teams participating in a jamboree: Kirtland, Lake Catholic and Mentor. However, the movement quickly gained traction, and by spring 2022, the number of teams jumped to nine. The growth continued exponentially, with 30 teams participating by spring 2023.
In the spring of 2024, the program expanded to 51 teams, including schools throughout Cleveland, Akron and Lorain as interest from female athletes rose. The Browns have continued their commitment to foster an environment where girls can excel in sports typically dominated by males.
The Browns have ambitious plans for the future of girls flag football in the region. They aim to have it as a sanctioned varsity sport under the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). This transition would formalize the recognition of girls flag football as a legitimate and competitive sport at the high school level.
In preparation for the upcoming season, the entire 2024-2025 schedule has been solidified. This includes team registrations, clinics for athletes, coaches and officials, kickoff events and the full regular and post season game schedule. Key events are set to return this year, including the Season Kickoff Clinic in February and the 2nd Annual 'A New Era Summit' in March.
The Northeast Ohio Girls High School Flag Football Jamboree, set for Nov. 16, will serve as a platform for female athletes in Columbus, Ohio, to be exposed to the game to develop their skills through specialized drills and competitive games. The jamboree will be hosted at Ohio State University. The jamboree will be hosted at The Ohio State University.
The 2025 season will introduce a structured format with teams divided into two brackets: Brown and Orange. Each team will compete in a total of 12 regular season games. The playoffs will culminate in the prestigious Cleveland Browns Championship, held at Huntington Bank Field, where the top teams from each bracket will battle for the title.
The Browns championship will not only showcase the top talents of young female athletes but will also serve as a prelude to the state championship game, where the winner will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals Champion at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Stadium on May 16.
To support the growth of girls flag football, the Browns provide essential resources to participating schools, including 25 uniform sets provided by NIKE and an all-inclusive toolkit provided by USA Football that is filled with all the necessary equipment needed for practice and games. This initiative reduces the barriers for schools and ensures that all athletes have access to the tools they need to succeed.
With flag football gaining international exposure due to its inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games, the Browns and their partners are dedicated to promoting the sport at all levels. Their expansion efforts into Central Ohio signify a commitment to nurturing talent and encouraging participation among high school athletes across the region.
As girls flag football continues to grow in popularity, the future is bright for female athletes in Ohio. With dedicated support from the Cleveland Browns and a robust program structure, the sport is poised to thrive, offering young women the chance to shine on the field and inspire future generations.
"Girls High School Flag Football represents the future," Lee said. "These remarkable young women are part of a movement that will be etched in history, and they will play a pivotal role in the official recognition of Girls HS Flag Football as a Varsity OHSAA Sport."
If there is interest in starting a Girls High School Flag Football program at a high school, contact the Browns Youth Football via email at youthfootball@clevelandbrowns.com.
