The NCAA has made a major decision that will affect the future of women's sports, and specifically, the athletes wanting to participate in flag football.
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According to a press release, the NCAA Board of Governors have approved funding to support a National Collegiate Championship in women's flag football.
This opens up countless opportunities for young ladies wanting to compete in the fast-paced sport while continuing their education.
A major step in this process occurred as the sport "met the minimum sponsorship and participation thresholds" required for the NCAA to move forward with possibility adding a women's flag football championship.
"The Board of Governors is proud to support the continued growth of women's flag football," said Jim Phillips, chair of the board and Atlantic Coast Conference commissioner.
"Establishing funding for a National Collegiate Championship is an important milestone that provides a pathway for future championship competition and reinforces our commitment to fostering additional growth opportunities for women in college sports."
As part of this approval process, the Board of Governors appointed several new members to the board. This includes an independent member, a HBCU representative, a Division III graduated student-athlete, and a Division I graduated student-athlete.
Flag football has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years. Once a childhood or "hobby" sport, flag football has gone international with multiple countries participating in tournaments and championships. The NFL is also launching its own professional flag football leagues for male and female athletes.
The 2028 Olympic Games will even welcome flag football as one of five new sports. Multiple countries will fill out the six-team field on the men's side and the six-team field on the women's side.
With the NCAA and the Board of Governors approving the creation of a National Collegiate Championship, the popularity will only continue to rise in the future as more athletes find opportunities to compete.
