Flag Football – scoutSMART

Tag Archive for: Flag Football

NCAA Women’s Flag Football Growth

Women’s Flag Football is reaching a major turning point, and Division I conferences are helping shape what comes next. The NCAA is recommending the sport for the Emerging Sports for Women program. As participation continues to rise, schools are moving beyond interest and into real investment. We are seeing D-I institutions move from curiosity to commitment.

Conference play is beginning to take form, creating new opportunities for competition and visibility. This growth is also strengthening the talent pipeline, giving athletes clearer paths to compete at the college level.

What does this shift mean for athletes, coaches, and the future of Women’s Flag Football?

Current Conference Play

The ECAC is actively competing in Women’s Flag Football during the 2026 spring season. They have teams representing all three NCAA divisions. This makes it the first multi-division conference to formally organize conference play for the sport.

Programs like these are critical to long-term growth. Early adoption helps build the structure and participation needed for more conferences to establish official leagues. It also strengthens the recruiting process by expanding and clarifying the talent pipeline.

Club Teams

More than 35 Division I universities currently field Women’s Flag Football club teams. Many compete in organized leagues such as:

NCFFL (Northeast Collegiate Flag Football League)
WCFFL (Women’s Collegiate Flag Football League)
SWCFFA (Southwest Collegiate Flag Football Association)

These club programs play an important role in the sport’s growth. They act as a proving ground for future varsity teams and help demonstrate sustained interest. Club participation signals demand, staying power, and an effective talent pipeline to conference leaders.

Why Now

Several key factors are driving Division I conferences toward Women’s Flag Football:

Title IX Alignment
Flag football provides a cost-effective way to expand women’s athletic opportunities. This makes it an attractive option for Division I institutions.
Olympic Inclusion
Flag football’s addition to the LA 2028 Olympics has elevated the sport’s visibility and legitimacy.
Rapid Growth at the High School Level
More than 40,000 high school girls are now playing Women’s Flag Football nationwide, creating a strong and expanding talent pool.
Support from Governing Bodies
Organizations like RCX Sports, USA Football, and the NFL continue to invest in youth and high school flag football. They are building momentum that carries into the college recruiting process.

What’s Next for Division I Conferences?

More D-I conferences are sponsoring the sport. ECAC is the first, but others will follow as more schools commit. Many D-I schools with strong club programs are positioned to elevate to varsity status. Before full conference sponsorship, schools often form regional pods to reduce travel and build competitive consistency.

More Division I conferences continue to sponsor Women’s Flag Football as momentum builds across the sport. The ECAC is leading the way, but additional conferences will follow as more schools make long-term commitments.

Many Division I programs with established club teams are well positioned to transition to varsity status. In the near term, schools will form regional pods to limit travel and strengthen competition. These regional structures also help support and streamline the recruiting process as the sport continues to grow.

scoutSMART: Building the Talent Pipeline for an Emerging NCAA Sport

Thousands of high school girls now play flag football, and new programs launch each year. Coaches need a reliable way to evaluate talent quickly and confidently.

scoutSMART provides that infrastructure:

Comprehensive academic and athletic profiles that give coaches a complete view of each potential candidate
Verified data points that support informed and confident recruiting decisions
Search and evaluation tools that make it easier for coaches to identify and compare talent
A platform designed for equity and access that helps level the playing field for athletes across all programs

scoutVISION strengthens the pipeline by improving how film is reviewed:

Computer vision removes unnecessary downtime from game film so only live action remains
A one-hour game becomes 10 to 14 minutes of meaningful, evaluative clips
Coaches can review more athletes in less time without sacrificing detail
Athletes gain visibility through clean, coach-ready film that highlights real performance

Growth in the sport is happening faster than traditional evaluation systems can support. Together, scoutSMART and scoutVISION create a complete recruiting ecosystem for an emerging NCAA sport.

Conclusion: Division I Conferences Are Ready, and the Pipeline Must Be Too

Women’s Flag Football is on the cusp of becoming one of the most transformative new NCAA sports. Division I conferences are beginning to sponsor the sport. At the same time, institutions are launching programs, and the athlete pipeline is expanding at a rapid pace.

Sustaining this momentum requires a trusted, scalable, data-driven recruiting infrastructure built for the future of the game.

scoutSMART is building that future. We power the pipeline, elevate athlete visibility, and equip coaches to grow Women’s Flag Football at every level of competition.

April 13, 2026/by Diane Bloodworth

Flag Football, Uncategorized

The Rise of Girls Flag Football and the Future of Recruiting

A Sport on the Rise

Girls flag football is experiencing rapid growth across the United States. What was once a niche sport is now becoming one of the fastest expanding opportunities in youth and high school athletics. From community leagues to travel teams, varsity programs, and national championships, flag football is gaining momentum at every level.

Participation data reflects this surge. In the 2024-25 school year, 68,847 girls competed in high school flag football, that’s a 60 percent increase from the year before. Nearly 1,000 additional schools added programs to meet demand. Overall, participation in flag football reached 6.2 million players in 2023, with nearly 1.6 million females. That’s a significant year-over-year jump!

The 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games will include flag football as one of its official sports. This marks a major step forward for the sport’s visibility and growth. A global stage like the Olympics brings increased attention and reinforces the sport’s rapid growth. It also opens the door for more athletes to compete at the highest level and gain meaningful exposure.

As the sport continues to expand, the recruiting process evolves with it. Exposure, consistent data, and visibility are becoming nearly as important as performance on the field.

Flag Football Is Growing Everywhere

Girls flag football is no longer limited to a few regions or select programs. High school teams are launching across the country, and state athletic associations are beginning to recognize the sport. Travel leagues are also expanding, creating more competitive opportunities throughout the year. In response, colleges and universities are adding varsity and club teams to meet the growing demand.

This nationwide growth has created a broader and more diverse recruiting landscape. Athletes are competing in different regions, attending different events, and following unique development paths. College coaches are evaluating talent from coast to coast, often without the ability to see every athlete in person.

As the sport grows everywhere, recruiting solutions must grow with it. Visibility, organization, and consistency are essential to ensure talented athletes are not overlooked simply because of where they play.

The Recruiting Challenge in a Growing Sport

As flag football grows, so does the competition. More teams, more events, and more athletes mean increased opportunity, but also greater player recruiting challenges.

College coaches simply cannot be everywhere. Games span multiple regions and crowd busy weekends, limiting even the most committed staff to a handful of events. Many talented athletes perform at a high level without ever playing in front of the right decision-makers.

At the same time, recruiting data is inconsistent. Different leagues track stats in different ways, and film quality often falls short. Some athletes have polished highlight reels, while others rely on raw game footage or limited exposure. These gaps make it harder for coaches to evaluate players fairly and efficiently.

The result is a growing visibility problem.

Skilled flag football athletes get passed over too often. Coaches struggle to access and verify their performance, even when the talent is there. As the sport expands, recruiting becomes more competitive. Athletes need clear paths to visibility, and coaches need reliable ways to evaluate talent.

How scoutSMART Supports Athletes Nationwide

scoutSMART gives girls flag football players a centralized recruiting platform built specifically for their sport. Every athlete can create a complete profile that brings together stats, video, academics, and event history in one place.

The platform integrates with combines, showcases, and tournaments to add verified data directly to recruiting profiles. Skill evaluations and performance insights add context beyond raw stats. This gives college coaches reliable, up-to-date information they can trust when evaluating talent across different regions.

Video tools, like scoutVISION, help athletes turn full game film into recruiting-ready highlights. scoutVISION uses AI to identify key plays, reduce downtime, and create clips that are easy for college coaches to review. scoutVISION helps coaches better understand each player’s strengths and potential.

Supporting Coaches, Families, and Programs

Recruiting works best when everyone has access to the same clear information. scoutSMART supports college coaches, high school coaches, families, and programs. We create a shared recruiting environment built on consistent, trusted data.

College coaches save time with organized profiles, verified stats, and video tools that make evaluation faster and more efficient. High school football and travel coaches gain tools that help them promote their athletes without added administrative work. Families gain a clearer understanding of where their athlete stands and what steps come next in the recruiting process.

By standardizing data, film, and evaluations across regions, scoutSMART helps build trust throughout the flag football recruiting process. We support smarter decisions at every level.

We Are Everywhere: What That Really Means

Flag football does not grow in one city or one region. It grows in local leagues, weekend tournaments, high school programs, and travel teams across the country. scoutSMART can be wherever the game is played.

Our platform supports athletes and coaches at showcases, combines, tournaments, and school programs nationwide. We integrate verified event data, game film (even social media clips), and evaluations into a single recruiting platform. Then we connects players to college football coaches across regions.

Being everywhere means opportunity is not limited by geography. Athletes can be seen whether they compete in a major metro area or a growing local program. College coaching staff gain consistent access to recruiting information no matter where talent emerges.

scoutSMART is committed to growing girls flag football the right way. We support the sport with trusted data and transparent recruiting tools. Our long-term focus remains on athlete exposure, families, and programs at every level.

The Future of Girls Flag Football Recruiting

Girls flag football continues to grow, and with that growth comes new opportunity. More teams, more college programs, and more visibility mean athletes have more paths to play flag at the next level than ever before.

At the same time, recruiting will continue to evolve. Accessible, reliable recruiting tools will matter more as competition increases. College coaches need to be able to search for efficient ways to evaluate talent nationwide. Athletes who take ownership of their recruiting journey will be better positioned to stand out and navigate the process with confidence.

scoutSMART will continue to support that future by building tools designed specifically for girls flag football. Our focus remains on visibility, transparency, and trust. These values help athletes, families, and coaches move forward together as the sport grows.

Learn more about how scoutSMART supports girls flag football athletes nationwide.

February 11, 2026/by Diane Bloodworth

Uncategorized

Girls Flag Football: A Season of Gratitude

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.

November 25, 2025/by Diane Bloodworth

Uncategorized

Breast Cancer Awareness: Athletes Sharing Profiles for Hope

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:

Log in to your scoutSMART profile and select “Share Profile.”
Add your profile link to your Instagram bio or other social media platforms.
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.

October 2, 2025/by Diane Bloodworth

Uncategorized

scoutSMART Launches Recruiting Analytics for Flag Football

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

August 7, 2024/by Diane Bloodworth

Uncategorized

Flag Football – An Interesting Past and a Bright Future

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

June 3, 2024/by Diane Bloodworth