USA FOOTBALL STATEMENT ON KENTUCKY SANCTIONING GIRLS’ FLAG FOOTBALL AS A VARSITY SPORT IN 2027-28
The following quote can be attributed to Scott Hallenbeck, CEO and Executive Director of USA Football. USA Football is the National Governing Body of American Football in the United States and will select, train and lead Team USA Football when flag football makes its debut in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles:
"On behalf of USA Football, I want to congratulate the KHSAA on voting to add girls' flag football for the 2027-28 school year. Kentucky's female student-athletes will soon have access to everything this game has to offer, from life skills and college scholarships to a real pathway toward competing at the international level.
"Our U.S. Women's National Team pipeline grows with every state that commits to this sport, and Kentucky's decision adds another piece to that foundation. With 2028 right around the corner, the young women who will play flag football in Kentucky could find themselves on a path to the Olympics sooner than they think."
Background:
Flag football is an inclusive and accessible format of the game that is fast, creative and exciting, played by people of all ages and genders. It is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with women and girls driving the surge in participation. According to USA Football research, the number of girls ages six to 12 playing flag football increased by 283% from 2015 through 2024. More than 68,800 girls played high school flag football in 2024, 60% more than the prior year, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations' latest participation survey.
As the National Governing Body, USA Football oversees all aspects of American football in the United States. This includes hosting Talent ID Camps for both youth and adult competitors to showcase their skills, refine their techniques, and enter the National Team pipeline. USA Football will select, train and lead Team USA Football® when flag football makes its debut at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
About USA Football: USA Football is the National Governing Body (NGB) for American Football in the United States and the sole U.S. member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), the international governing body for the sport of American football. USA Football selects, trains and leads Team USA Football® in tackle and flag football disciplines, while delivering world-class football development resources, sport standards and competitive opportunities to empower athletes at every level. USA Football is committed to ensuring every athlete has access to develop and compete in the game through safer, inclusive and innovative pathways. For more information, visit usafootball.com.