Over the past decade, the growth of women’s flag football has continued to accelerate. More and more athletes are getting the opportunity to compete in the great game of football at the high school, college, national and international levels. Just recently, flagging football was added to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, marking a huge leap forward for the sport and its athletes.
Maral Javadifar, Bucks Director of Rehabilitation and Performance – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
There is still room for growth, but the growth the game has seen in such a short period of time would not have been possible without the help of key people and organizations.
For years, the Bucks were one of those organizations. They have long been at the forefront of women in football. and Hired two full-time female assistant coaches for the first time as a team. is just one example. It’s another thing they’ve been doing for the women’s flag football game, and last week was a big deal on that front.
At the beginning of the week organization hosted an event An event titled “Flag Football on the International Stage: The Road to the Olympians” was held at Raymond James Stadium. USA Football’s Scott Hallenbach and Eric Mays were on the panel, as well as U.S. Women’s National Team quarterback Vanita Crouch, league administrator Dasha Smith, and NFL Flag’s Eisele Reese.
The 6th Annual Girls Flag Football Preseason Classic begins with over 1,500 of your favorite athletes 💪@AbemaTV | @usnikefootball pic.twitter.com/d5EMPSU1SS
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation (@BucsFoundation) February 15, 2024
Bucs proud of their role in the growth of women’s flag football
Bucks co-chairman Darcy Glazer-Kasewicz and GM Jason Licht – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Bucs owner and president Darcy Glazer Kassewitz joined NFL Network’s Good Morning Football last week to talk about the event and share his thoughts on the growth of flag football and the Bucs’ role in it.
“This is great for the flag,” Glaser Kassewitz said. “This increases our visibility globally. Flag is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. I think in the last five years, girls flag has increased by about 63%. , creating more opportunities for all kids, especially girls, to play flag.”
This event was just the start of a big week for Girls Flag Football and the Bucs, who will host the 6th Annual Girls Flag Football Preseason Classic over the weekend.
The nation’s largest women’s flag football tournament was held at the Ed Radice Sports Complex in North Tampa with more than 100 teams from 18 counties across the state of Florida. Two local powerhouses participated in the tournament. Robinson, an eight-time state champion. and Alonso, a three-time state champion And it continues to be the sport’s hottest event.
“Participation is increasing every year,” Glaser Kassewitz said. “This is a sport that’s really booming right now. And we announced last night that we’re going to have a girls flag state championship in the opening game, so this season will start and end with support for the Buccaneers.” We are so happy to be there to support all the girls.”
“Seeing thousands of girls play is amazing for both men and women watching the sport.”
📽️: @gmfb pic.twitter.com/tymyDUYU5c
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) February 14, 2024
The organization hosted a regional playoff game in 2023, but its next step will be to host the 2024 Girls Flag Football State Championship at AdventHealth Training Center. The 1A and 2A semifinals and championship title games will be played May 10-11.
Events that the Bucks have hosted and will continue to host are not the only aspect of support. Earlier this month, to celebrate National Girls and Women’s Sports Day, They launched the 5th annual Girls in Football Scholarship, is open to candidates nationwide. So far, the scholarship has impacted 16 women who play soccer and are interested in a career in the sport, Glazer Kassewitz said.
And the Bucks’ efforts continue. The organization will continue to highlight the sport on its social media channels, and Glaser Kassewitz said it will start its own Instagram account. @buccaneers flag — as part of that effort.
This sport will continue to grow (and is already growing). More states are starting to recognize it as a state championship sport), then it will take center stage when the United States hosts the Summer Olympics in 2028. When that happens, the Bucks can and should feel good about the support they’ve given to grow their game.
There’s something about this game 🏈 pic.twitter.com/g3zJJnMlBo
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation (@BucsFoundation) February 17, 2024
