From 10 Teams to 64: How the Saints and NFL Are Fueling Girls Flag Football Growth in Louisiana and Mississippi
Louisiana girls flag football grew from 10 to 64 teams in two years. Here's what the Saints-NFL push means for youth leagues.
Two years ago, a girl in Louisiana who wanted to play high school flag football had very few places to do it. Today, she has dozens. The growth in the Gulf South is a preview of what is coming to your community, and youth leagues that feed those high school rosters should pay attention.
The News: A Rapid Climb in the Gulf South
The New Orleans Saints and the NFL are backing a girls high school flag football initiative across Louisiana and Mississippi, and the numbers are striking:
▸ Louisiana: 10 teams two years ago, 20 last year, and 64 this year
▸ Mississippi: 12 teams last year, 44 this year
▸ Greater New Orleans: six divisions with seven teams each, plus teams across the state
Mississippi already officially sanctions the sport, and Louisiana is moving toward full sanctioning through the LHSAA. De La Salle won the first two Louisiana titles, and coach George Neumiller put it simply: "A lot of people didn't think this day was going to happen, but with the NFL big-time behind it...it's becoming huge for the girls."
Why It Matters for Youth Flag Football
Saints VP of Community Relations Elicia Broussard Sheridan described the goal as giving girls "the opportunity to take advantage of all the things that the guys have been able to take advantage of." The participants include basketball players, cheerleaders, dancers and first-time athletes. Some players earned college scholarships after just a five-week season.
That last detail is the one organizers should sit with. A short season, a supportive structure and a visible path forward can change a young athlete's future. With flag football headed to the 2028 Olympics and the NCAA embracing the sport, the pathway from youth league to high school to college is becoming real.
What Local Leagues Can Do
High school programs need players who already know the game. Youth leagues are where that starts. A few ideas:
→ Create girls-only or co-ed divisions so new players have a comfortable entry point
→ Welcome multi-sport athletes, including cheer, dance and basketball players, who often pick up flag quickly
→ Partner with nearby high school coaches for clinics and scrimmages
Parents can browse youth flag football leagues and girls flag football teams near them, and families looking to sharpen skills can explore training options. League directors can learn how to get listed on our organizations page.
The Takeaway
Louisiana and Mississippi show what happens when a major organization commits resources and young athletes get a chance to try. Your community may be next. Check out more stories on the Flag Football Finder blog, then find a team and get your kid on the field.
Source: New Orleans Saints