Monroe County girls are getting a new sports opportunity. The Monroe Family YMCA will debut a girls’ flag football program this fall, with practices beginning Aug. 25.
“After many requests, it’s finally here,” the Monroe Family YMCA said on its Facebook page.
“We have never run a girls’ flag football program before. We’re excited to launch this new opportunity for girls in our community. Girls’ flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports nationwide,” said Amanda Schmitz, financial development director for the Monroe Family YMCA. “We also identified a gap in recreational programming for high school girls and are committed to creating inclusive opportunities that support their continued growth and participation in athletics.”
Girls’ flag football is increasing in popularity. So far, 17 states have sanctioned girls’ flag football as a varsity sport, according to the National Football League. And, both men’s and women’s flag football will debut as an Olympic sport at the 2028 games in Los Angeles.
Although Michigan has not yet sanctioned girls’ flag football as a sport, programs are increasing across the state.
In Monroe, volunteer coaches will teach girls the basics of flag football, including throwing, catching, route running and rules of the game.
“We want to provide girls in our community the opportunity to learn the sport early, build foundational skills and be prepared to succeed at the high-school level,” Schmitz said. “The Y will provide all necessary equipment, including flags, footballs and jerseys.”
Participants should bring water and wear cleats for practices and games.
Four age divisions will be offered: ages 7-8; 9-10; 11-13; and 14-18. Participants must be in those age brackets as of Sept. 1. Registration runs through Aug. 9. The cost is $60 per player. Games will be held Saturday mornings, Sept. 9-Oct. 25, at Munson Park, 2770 N. Custer Road in Monroe.
“The response on social media has been very positive, with strong community interest and engagement,” Schmitz said.
The Y hopes girls’ flag football will become a yearly offering.
“Our goal is to make girls’ flag football a regular part of our fall programming. We’re excited to build on this season’s momentum and continue offering opportunities for girls to develop their skills and enjoy the game each year,” Schmitz said.
To register, visit the YMCA’s website. To learn more or to volunteer for the program, contact Jay Heinzerling at 734-241-2606, ext. 220 or jay@monroefamilyymca.org.
“We do not currently offer a boys’ flag football program in the fall. However, we are open to exploring it in the future based on community interest and demand,” Schmitz said.
Other area girls’ flag football programs
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Girls’ flag football to debut this fall at Monroe Family YMCA
Reporting by Suzanne Nolan Wisler, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
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