Disclaimer: Future For Football is an initiative of the National Football Foundation, created to highlight the lessons and values that football imparts. Get involved and sign up to play today by visiting Future for Football for resources, a League Locator tool, and much more.
In New England, of all places, we know how important this sport is — all year round. Football brings families together! So we are sharing a reader’s story about her middle school daughter playing flag football for the first time. Especially with the Summer Games being a 50/50 split this year of men and women, it’s exciting to recognize how football’s future looks bright for females!
Lilly’s Story
A few years ago, my daughter Lilly mentioned that she would like to play Flag Football. Since we believe in exploring different sports to sift out her likes and dislikes, flag football excited us. Things got busy and it wasn’t until I got a text from one of her friends’ moms about a 3×3 Summer Flag Football league in Portsmouth this summer that we signed her up. Lilly was thrilled and it was even better that a friend of hers was interested as well. The league was called Patriots NFL Flag Network Patriots NFL Flag (you can find this league and others in the League Locator Tool). I signed her up for the Summer Blitz 3×3 Flag Football. It is a co-ed team!
Co-Ed Experience?
Since Lilly is entering 7th grade, the idea of playing a game made up mostly of boys was a little intimidating. Yet, we knew her desire to learn a new skill would override the insecurities she felt. We also found out the league combined the U12 and U14 groups. So, not only would she be playing with boys, but many of them would be 2 years older than she is. The league sent her team roster out and there were three girls and three boys on her team. Again, this was encouraging, 50/50! Lilly, her dad and I were looking forward to the first game. As the night approached for her first game her nerves set in and she questioned her decision. We talked about why she was interested in playing flag football in the first place, she wanted to learn some new skills and she is a strong runner. This brought her back down and helped her focus on the core of her interest.
When we arrived at the field it was like nothing I had seen before. There were so many kids! But, I was surprised to see that Lilly’s team was the only team with girl team members. I knew that this first game was going to be tough once I saw the look on her face. She had never played while many of these other kids have been playing for years. She wanted to turn right around and head home, but she knows that is not the way our family deals with these situations. So she took a deep breath and walked out on the field with her head high.
Her Confidence Soared
From the minute the team started to practice, I knew that she had an amazing coach. He engaged the girls in all the plays right off the bat. He encouraged the experienced boys on the team to help teach the new players each play. I was impressed to see the communication and support the team members gave one another.
When they stepped out onto the field for their first game as parents, we held our breath! Would the cooperation we saw at practice would translate to the game? Would the more experienced players still collaborate with the new ones?
YES, they did!
As I watched and learned more about the game, I got into it as well. Flag Football is a great sport. There are not many rules to learn and with a 3×3 set up with a six person team, there is lots of time on the field for each player to build upon their throwing and catching skills. Each game she played, Lilly improved and her confidence soared.
Lilly has played many sports throughout her twelve years, and this was one of her best experiences.
The relationship her coach built with each player in such a short time was incredible. He prioritized respect and kindness among his team members, and it showed. Lilly learned to face her fears and trust her athletic abilities. She saw the importance of communication on the field and how encouragement from her teammates was crucial in getting a high score.
In the second to last game, Lilly scored two touchdowns helping with her team’s first win. It was an amazing night. I have not seen her so happy in a long time. Her happiness was not because of the team’s win, but because she stuck with something challenging AND it was fun. We learned that there is a female league in Portsmouth in the fall and she is excited to continue to play.
I am proud of Lilly for all of her accomplishments in sports, but this summer season will stand out in my memories as a time of growth and perseverance for her. For her, the future of football is female!
I would recommend flag football to all. It was an amazing experience, was fun to watch and, according to Lilly, it was fun to play. An easy sport to grasp and with time and dedication builds a strong player. As a family we are thankful to have had this opportunity and look forward to continuing to cheer on our daughter in flag football.
Where to Play Near You
Interested in youth football? Check out Future for Football’s League Locator Tool to find a league near you.
