With the fall athletics season in full swing it’s time for our school to rally behind the flag football team.
The team started last year without a stadium, but still managed to draw crowds and athletes. Every sport needs vibrant and passionate students to root them on, especially teams that are only just beginning. Lets fill the stands and show our support this year given the chance we have.
Flag football provides a platform for female students to showcase their athletic talents without the focus on tackling; flag football encourages athletes to train agility and reflexes in ways that aren’t present in tackle. This makes it a different but equally interesting sport to watch. Flag football is safer and more fun for those who don’t play tackle. Showing support for the flag football team nurtures a more connected environment in the school and not only supports and empowers the team, but also the individuals who play in it.
In the last couple of years flag football has been expanding rapidly. New opportunities appear every year, with the National Football League (NFL) teams creating their own sub-division flag football teams that play on ESPN during the summer. According to the NFL, between 2019 and 2023, girls flag football increased in popularity by 63 percent.
Different leagues and organizations have begun to increase the growth of the sport. Florida High School Athletic Association, University Interscholastic League, and the California Interscholastic Federation have announced an increased number of flag football teams due to expanding interest and support. “The popularity of flag football – for boys and girls – has been growing at the youth levels for the past 10 years. In 2023, about 500,000 girls ages 6-17 played flag football – a 63 percent increase since 2019.” according to the National Federation of State High School Associations.
The renovations to Witter Field offer Piedmont High school an opportunity. Maximizing the use of renovated Witter includes strong attendance at both flag and tackle football games. The new and improved field allows easy access to home games and a more familiar playing field for players.
All students can utilize Witter more by watching more events like flag football there. Flag football is one of the first sports played on the new Witter Field. The new renovations allow for greater attendance at all events on Witter. Rallying behind our flag football team is more than just cheering from the stands. It’s about building school spirit and nurturing a fun, friendly, and empowering environment for all at Piedmont High school around a sport that’s growing rapidly around the world. Let’s fill those seats, amplify our enthusiasm, and make this season unforgettable for the players
