On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers, in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Athletics, announced the launch of a pilot Girls High School Flag Football League that will begin play in 2022.
The team issued the following press release:
The intramural/club-level program is designed to provide high school girls with increased access and opportunities to participate in the fast-growing sport of girls’ high school flag football, which has been sanctioned as a varsity sport in six states across the country. The Carolina Panthers are providing $50,000 in program funding, school resources and custom Nike school uniforms to support the success of the program.
Student-athletes from 20 high schools descended upon Bank of America Stadium on National Girls & Women in Sports Day, where they were treated to a surprise uniform reveal in the locker room. Representatives from the Carolina Panthers, Panthers Legend Mike Rucker and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officials were on-site for the announcement. Panthers director of community relations Riley Fields said, “The Carolina Panthers are thrilled to partner with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Athletics in the creation of a pilot Girls High School Flag Football League, which will provide increased participation opportunities and access to the sport of football for high school girls. Our hope is this league will lead to increased participation by high schools across our region. We are especially pleased to be able to announce the program launch as we celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day.”
