What was once considered an emerging sport has quickly become one of the most exciting growth stories in high school athletics.

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), girls flag football participation reached 68,847 athletes during the 2024-25 school year, representing a remarkable 60% increase in just one year. The number of schools offering the sport also grew by nearly 1,000 during that same period.

The growth becomes even more impressive when viewed over a longer timeline.

NFHS participation data shows girls flag football grew from 11,209 participants in 2018-19 to more than 42,000 athletes by 2023-24, an increase of approximately 283% in just five years.

Even more recently, participation more than doubled from 20,875 athletes in 2022-23 to 42,955 athletes in 2023-24 alone, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.

Schools are adding programs at an unprecedented rate. Nationally, the number of schools offering girls flag football increased from 1,777 schools to 2,736 schools in a single year, demonstrating the demand from athletes, coaches, and communities across the country.

The growth extends beyond the high school level.

More colleges are adding women's flag football programs every year, creating new pathways for athletes seeking opportunities to compete after graduation. At the same time, flag football's inclusion in the 2028 Olympic Games has created additional excitement and visibility for the sport worldwide.

States such as Florida, California, Georgia, Alabama, and New York continue producing some of the nation's strongest programs, while new states continue adding varsity and pilot programs every season. What began as a regional movement has become a national one.

That growth is one of the driving forces behind HER 7v7.

As more athletes discover the game and more opportunities become available, the demand for elite competition, national exposure, rankings, athlete recognition, and championship events continues to grow.

The future of girls football has never looked brighter.

And if the current trends continue, the sport is only getting started.