WASHINGTON, D.C. – The DC State Athletic Association is proud to announce that girls’ flag football has been added as a state championship sport.
DCSAA Executive Director Kenny Owens made the announcement on Sunday at a special event on the National Mall to promote the 2027 NFL Draft that will be held on that site.
One of the nation’s fastest growing sports, girls’ flag football is also gaining popularity in Washington, D.C. This spring, a record 26 DC high schools are fielding flag football teams, with the top teams set to compete in the third annual DCSAA Flag Football Invitational on Tuesday, May 26 at Eastern High School.
“This is yet another step forward for DC’s female student-athletes,” DCSAA Executive Director Kenny Owens said with the U.S. Capitol in the background as a youth flag football clinic took place. “The DCSAA is excited to provide this platform for our female student-athletes to showcase their talents and passion for their sport. We look forward to continuing to grow the sport of girls’ flag football.
“The DCSAA also wants to recognize the efforts of the Washington Commanders to promote the sport across the city. The Commanders certainly are dedicated to helping the next generation of student-athletes have even more opportunities to shine.”
The Commanders have generously provided uniforms and equipment to all of the DC high school teams that are competing this spring. Additionally, the Commanders have organized coaching and playing clinics to help new and veteran players and coaches, part of a seven-figure commitment by the team to support girls’ flag football in the Washington area.
“The decision to officially sanction girls flag football in DC marks a powerful milestone for young women across our city,” Washington Commanders Team President Mark Clouse said. “We are grateful to DCSAA for championing this effort and to everyone who has worked tirelessly to elevate the sport. Our organization is committed to creating pathways for all athletes, and we’re proud to stand with the community as girls flag enters this new chapter, one that will continue to shape today’s players and the generations of players who will follow.”
With the addition of flag football, the DCSAA will crown 26 high school team state champions.
To learn more about the District of Columbia State Athletic Association, please visit dcsaasports.com.
CONTACT: Josh Barr, josh.barr@dc.gov
ABOUT THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA STATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
The District of Columbia State Academic Association has served District of Columbia public schools, public charter schools, and independent private and parochial schools since 2012. Studies regularly show that students who participate in extracurricular activities generally are better prepared to succeed beyond high school and under DCSAA guidance, student-athlete participation has risen 44 percent. DCSAA empowers its membership to share knowledge and best practices in order to help student-athletes achieve their goals through athletic programming and valuable academic and personal learning experiences.
