(Indianapolis, IN) – The Indianapolis Colts applaud the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) for approving girls flag football as an “emerging sport,” the first step toward becoming a fully sanctioned high school sport in Indiana.
The IHSAA on Monday evening formally voted to move girls flag football into the new status, paving the way for more expansion across the state.
“The growth of girls flag football has accelerated greatly over the past few years, from little league to high school to all the way to the 2028 Olympics,” said Kalen Jackson, Colts Vice Chair & Owner. “We’re grateful to the IHSAA for continuing this momentum and opening more opportunities for girls and women athletes across Indiana.”
Over the past several years, the Colts have led the effort to develop girls flag football as a sanctioned IHSAA sport.
The Colts created the Colts Girls High School Flag Football League in 2023 with eight teams from Indianapolis and South Bend, Ind. In 2024, the league expanded to 27 teams, qualifying to be voted on as an emerging sport. To become eligible as a sanctioned sport, 100 schools must compete while in emerging sport status.
To reach this goal, the Colts launched the “Road to 100” – with a $1 million investment from the Jim Irsay family – to support and sustain the launch of 100 girls teams in 2025.
Costs associated with launching a team typically range from $5,000 to $8,000 to fund equipment, uniforms, training and coaching stipends. To help offset that cost, the Colts will invest up to $10,000 each in the schools that join the Road to 100.
To date, 65 high schools have committed to field a team in 2025. Schools and communities interested in fielding a team can visit Colts.com/GirlsFlag.
Colts Girls Flag Football is fueled by Gatorade and sponsored in part by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. The Colts have prioritized flag football development to introduce the game to new players and fans, especially girls, who traditionally have not had the same opportunities to learn and play the game as boys.
(Indianapolis Colts press release)