Tag Archive for: Flag Football

Gratitude for the game

November always brings a natural moment to pause, reflect, and express gratitude. At scoutSMART, we spend every day connected to high school athletes, coaches, and families who pour their heart into girls flag football.

This emerging sport is growing fast, but what fuels it is deeper than participation numbers. It’s the passion and dedication that high school athletes bring to every practice and game. You can feel the strong sense of community on every field, supporting players and coaches alike.

As we celebrate this season of gratitude, we want to highlight what makes girls flag football so special. We’re thankful for the game, the players, and the coaches, families, and communities who make it all possible.

Grateful for the Opportunities the Game Creates

Flag football continues to open doors, especially for young women. More high schools, colleges, and athletic organizations now recognize the importance of creating pathways for female athletes. Using that momentum, girls are building confidence and leadership skills. This competitive mindset carries them far beyond the field.

scoutSMART is a woman owned and operated business and we are grateful for:

Programs investing in girls sports
These programs help girls flag football grow at every level. They create space for more teams, better facilities, skilled coaching, and expanded opportunities. Their investment shows young athletes that their sport matters and their goals deserve support.

Athletic directors and organizers who advocate for equity
These leaders push for fair scheduling, access to fields, funding, and visibility for boys and girls flag football. Their advocacy ensures their athletes receive the same level of support and recognition as other sports. Their work strengthens the future of the game.

Colleges expanding scholarships and opportunities
More colleges are opening doors for women who want to continue their athletic journey. Scholarship opportunities encourage athletes to pursue higher education, compete at the next level, and gain exposure to new possibilities. This growth fuels the long-term success of a girls flag football league.

Families supporting athletes every step of the way
Behind every dedicated athlete is a family showing up to practices, cheering from the sidelines, and celebrating every milestone. Their support gives girls the confidence to push harder, embrace challenges, and stay committed to the game they love.

Every new team formed represents progress.

Thankful for Coaches Who Care

Behind every strong program is a coach who believes in their athletes.

In girls flag football, coaches do more than teach technique and plays. They teach resilience, communication, confidence, and grit. They help athletes understand how to push through challenges, celebrate progress, and trust in their own potential.

Coaches celebrate every first catch and support athletes through every tough loss. Their dedication helps shape the next generation of leaders. These coaches don’t just put in time and effort, they put their whole heart and soul into making a difference.

Their dedication helps shape the next generation of leaders both on and off the field. They show up early and stay late. Their support strengthens each athlete’s skills, confidence, and mindset long after the season is over.

At scoutSMART, we see firsthand how powerful a coach’s encouragement can be. We’re grateful for the mentors who give their time, energy, and heart to this game.

Appreciating the Hard Work of Every Athlete

Girls flag football athletes bring intensity to the field that deserves recognition. Balancing school, training, competition, and life isn’t easy. Yet players show up ready to lift their teammates, improve their skills, and play with passion.
We’re thankful for:

Early morning practices
These early sessions show dedication and discipline. High school athletes push through fatigue and early wake-ups. They don’t hesitate to sharpen their skills, work on plays, and prepare themselves and their teams for success.

Long afternoons in the weight room
Strength and conditioning are key to peak performance. Hours spent in the weight room build endurance, power, and resilience. This focus helps young athletes stay competitive and reduce the risk of injury.

Study sessions squeezed between games
Flag football athletes manage academics alongside athletics. Studying between practices, games, and travel teaches time management, perseverance, and responsibility. These are essential skills both on and off the field.

Every sprint, every rep, every extra effort
It’s the small, consistent actions that make the biggest difference. Every sprint, drill, and extra practice sets athletes apart, showing commitment to personal improvement and team success.

Your dedication doesn’t just improve performance. It raises the bar for the sport, inspires teammates, and strengthens the entire girls flag football community.

Gratitude for the Community Members That Make the Game Possible

Flag football thrives because of the people who show up: parents, volunteers, referees, event organizers, photographers, trainers, and fans. This community brings energy and support that athletes never forget.

Cheering, coaching, organizing, and supporting all contribute to a community where athletes feel recognized and empowered. This community is the heartbeat of the sport, and we’re grateful for it.

Thankful for the Growth of the Girls Flag Football Movement

This year, girls flag football has gained incredible momentum across the country. The sport is expanding into new states, attracting media attention, and earning recognition from major athletic organizations. The growth goes beyond numbers and is making a real impact for athletes and communities alike

We’re grateful for:

More teams
The increasing number of teams means more girls have the chance to play, learn, and compete. Expanding programs give athletes access to structured training, supportive coaches, and a place to develop their skills.

More visibility
Media coverage and public recognition are helping girls flag football gain the respect it deserves. Increased visibility inspires younger athletes to join, encourages community support, and highlights the achievements of high school athletes nationwide.

More opportunities for scholarships
With more programs and exposure, colleges are offering additional scholarships for talented athletes. These opportunities allow girls to continue their athletic journey, pursue higher education, and showcase their abilities on a larger stage.

More athletes gaining confidence through competition
Playing in competitive games helps athletes build confidence, teamwork skills, and resilience. Each match, practice, and tournament strengthens not only their abilities on the field but also their leadership and self-belief.

We’re grateful to be part of this movement and to support athletes as they take their game to the next level.

Why scoutSMART Is Thankful for the Game

At scoutSMART, we’re committed to helping athletes be seen, evaluated, and recruited through comprehensive player data tools. But our work is fueled by something bigger: the belief that every athlete deserves a chance to succeed in this sport.

We’re thankful for the trust athletes and coaches put in our platform. We’re proud to support programs that are shaping the future of flag football.

And above all, we’re grateful for the game that brings us all together.

A Final Thank You

To every athlete giving their all…
To every coach leading with purpose…
To every parent and supporter cheering from the sidelines…
And to every program pushing the sport forward…

Thank you.

The growth of girls flag football is something to celebrate and in this season of gratitude, we’re proud to stand with you.

October is more than football season, it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month; a time to honor fighters, survivors, and those we’ve lost. At scoutSMART, we’re proud to launch a campaign that connects our mission of athlete empowerment with a cause that touches so many lives.

During October, scoutSMART athletes can raise awareness and funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). For each profile shared, scoutSMART will donate $10 to NBCF. It’s a simple action with meaningful impact. It unites athletes, fans, and communities in the fight against breast cancer.

Why NBCF?

The National Breast Cancer Foundation is one of the most respected organizations in the fight against breast cancer. Their work touches countless lives every year and focuses on practical support, education, and research. Key programs include:

  • Providing free mammograms and early detection services to underserved communities. Early detection saves lives. NBCF ensures that women who might not otherwise receive screenings have access to this critical care.
  • Offering support programs for patients and families navigating treatment. NBCF provides emotional support and guidance through the medical system. This helps families navigate a breast cancer diagnosis with strength and confidence.
  • Funding breast cancer research and education to improve outcomes and save lives. By supporting advancements in treatment and spreading awareness, NBCF works to reduce breast cancer’s impact across communities nationwide.

Their mission, “Helping Women Now,” resonates deeply with us. It aligns with our goal to uplift girls in flag football. We want to create opportunities for visibility and growth. Every athlete who participates can help make that happen.

Why This Matters to Me (Diane)

This campaign is personal. I lost a dear friend to breast cancer, someone full of life, laughter, and generosity. Her absence is felt every day. Another close friend is a survivor, and her strength through treatment and recovery continues to inspire me.

Their stories remind me that awareness is not just about pink ribbons. It is about helping women through action, support, and showing up for one another. This campaign is one way athletes can step forward and create real change.

Athlete Participation: How to Join the Campaign

Getting involved is easy, and every action makes a difference. Here’s how athletes can participate:

  1. Log in to your scoutSMART profile and select “Share Profile.”
  2. Add your profile link to your Instagram bio or other social media platforms.
  3. Use the graphic shown above to make your post. Tag @scoutsmart75 on Instagram and @scoutSMART_ on X (formerly Twitter). Use the hashtag #scoutSMARTforHope.

Every share equals $10 donated to NBCF. Together, we can flood social media with athlete participation. We can shine a light on breast cancer awareness and show what it means to use your platform for good.

Flag Football, Athlete Voices, and Helping Women

Athletes are leaders both on the field and in their communities. This is especially true in sports like flag football, where visibility for women and girls is growing quickly.

Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US, with female participation leading the charge. According to CBS News, in 2023, nearly 500,000 girls aged 6 to 17 played flag football, a 63% increase since 2019. Then again at the high school level, SI saw participation surged by 60% in just one year, with nearly 69,000 girls competing in 2024.

This growth is not just in numbers but also in opportunity. Currently, 17 states  offer girls’ flag football as a sanctioned high school sport, and many are hosting state championships. Colleges are also expanding women’s sports programs. The University of Texas at Arlington will start a varsity women’s flag football team in 2027.

These developments are more than just statistics, they represent a cultural shift. Flag football is providing young women with a platform to showcase their athleticism, leadership, and community spirit. These women athletes are not only excelling in the sport but also inspiring the next generation of girls to take the field.

By joining this campaign, athletes are doing more than showcasing their talent. They are helping women gain access to lifesaving resources and raising awareness for breast cancer. When athlete participation meets community impact, real progress happens. That is what this October is all about.

Final Thoughts

Breast cancer awareness is a movement built on action, compassion, and unity. By sharing your profile, you’re not just showcasing your talent. You’re standing up for early detection, access to care, and the women and families who need it most.

Let’s make this October count—for survivors, for families, and for the future of women’s health.

Atlanta GA, July 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — scoutSMART, the innovative provider of football recruiting analytics, announced today the launch of analytics for the fast-growing sport of flag football.

In a move that could potentially reshape flag football, scoutSMART announced its expansion into this rapidly growing sport. The company is actively integrating girls’ flag football player profiles into its database, positioning itself as the eminent company in the field.

Diane Bloodworth, CEO and Founder of scoutSMART stated, “We are excited to support Girls Flag Football and become one of the FIRST recruiting analytics providers for the sport. Our goal is to help programs build winning teams and to provide opportunities for more young women to play at the next level”. 

This expansion is particularly timely, because it coincides with the increasing recognition of flag football as a varsity sport in numerous high schools and colleges nationwide. Flag Football will be a part of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This trend is creating a market for specialized recruiting services, a niche that scoutSMART seeks to fill.

To increase awareness with players and coaches, scoutSMART recently signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with Ashlea Klam, a member of the U.S. National Team and Keiser University Flag Football.  “I’m beyond excited to use my platform to inspire the next generation of flag football athletes. Giving flag players and coaches an easier path of recruitment is a great step into the future. Let’s get more athletes recruited to play at the next level!”. Christian Addison, ASE Representation and Ashlea’s agent added, “This partnership is not just a testament to Ashlea’s exceptional skills on the field, but also to her commitment to promoting and growing the sport of flag football.  Together with scoutSMART, we aim to enhance the visibility and accessibility of flag football, fostering a community where athletes of all backgrounds can thrive and succeed.”

About scoutSMART:  

scoutSMART makes the athlete recruiting process more efficient and effective. Through analytics, scoutSMART predicts the fit of a recruit. Whether in traditional tackle football or the burgeoning world of flag football, scoutSMART’s advanced analytics offer coaches and programs a competitive advantage. As sports become increasingly data-centric, tools like scoutSMART are indispensable for those seeking to build winning teams.

Contact: Diane Bloodworth, diane@scoutsmartrecruiting.com

Diane Bloodworth, scoutSMART Founder and CEO

Flag Football originated as a means of recreation for American soldiers during World War II who then brought the game back home with them. Fort Meade in Maryland is said to have hosted the first games of flag football.

Flag Football has an interesting past, but what is the future? The popularity of flag football 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. Flag Football has grown significantly for many reasons: it is a sport of inclusivity, there is reduced risk of injury (compared to tackle football), and NFL support. Currently nine states have sanctioned Flag at the High School Level, and 17 other states are in various stages of a pilot program. Flag Football will be included in the 2028 Olympics and several universities now have Flag Football teams and offer scholarships.   

Why add Flag to scoutSMART? It is important to our user base, and we see this sport as an emerging sport. scoutSMART is positioned to be one of the early data providers for Flag. Finally, as a female founder in the sports tech industry, I am really excited to see young women playing football and we want to support them through their football journey and improve their opportunities to play at the next level.   

Know someone that plays Flag Football? Have them create a profile here:

https://scoutsmartrecruit.com/Account/AddNewPlayer

DISCOUNT ENDS: Countdown to $100 OFF PER MONTH!