High school flag football is becoming a reality for girls across Poudre School District (PSD). Starting in the fall of the ‘25-’26 school year, Fort Collins High School will host the first PSD girls flag football team. 

Flag football has seen a rise in popularity in recent years, with many seeing it as a safer alternative to the more widely-known tackle football. 

Fourteen states across the country have officially deemed girls flag football a high school varsity sport, with Colorado becoming one of them in April of 2024. 

PSD decided to delay their first season until 2025 in order to adequately prepare for it. Now, they are ready to take on their first season in hopes of further growing the sport throughout the district. 

“It’s… prime time for us and PSD to bring this on,” said Aaron Waters, Counselor at Fort Collins High School and coach for the upcoming season. 

While PSD decided to postpone their first season, other schools and districts throughout Colorado took on the challenge of starting a flag football team in less than one year. 

Mountain Vista High School was one of these teams, and ended their first official season as undefeated 5A state champions. 

Mountain Vista head coach Dana Srdoc advises girls aspiring to try out for flag football to not be scared, as some of his best players had never played a high school sport before. 

During the fall months of the school year, the ongoing seasons of tackle football, field hockey, and several other sports make it difficult to find an empty football field. One of the largest obstacles that will come with the introduction of the sport is providing a space for the team to host practices and games.

Although there will be some challenges, coaches and athletic directors throughout the district have expressed unwavering support for the development of this team. 

“The emotional support is incredible,” Waters said. “ Everybody is all about this.”

Srdoc remarked that football is a uniquely American sport that everyone, including girls across the country, should have the opportunity to play.

Dave Walck, Athletic Director at Fossil Ridge High School and a significant advocate for girls sports throughout Colorado, reflects on providing equal opportunities for girls athletics. 

“A girl’s athletic journey is quite often different than a boy’s athletic journey…giving that journey a more improved opportunity is the goal,” Walck said. 

With the introduction of this new team, as well as many other teams throughout Colorado and other states, girls flag football will continue to grow, helping to spread equality and a chance for girls to participate in one of the most widely recognized and loved sports in America.