Women’s Flag Football Gains Momentum in North Carolina
Women’s flag football is quickly becoming a staple in North Carolina, as both high school and college programs are emerging across the state. Notably, UNC Asheville and Mars Hill University are embracing this trend.
This spring, Mars Hill University took part in the first season of Conference Carolinas women’s flag football. Meanwhile, UNC Asheville is gearing up for its debut in the women’s flag football club team in the 2026-27 academic year.
With the introduction of a new league by the YMCA, younger girls now have more opportunities to engage with the sport.
The YMCA of Western North Carolina has revealed plans to start an NFL FLAG league for high school girls, commencing in September.
According to Ashley Shores-Bobowski, executive director of the YMCA of WNC, this initiative is aimed at fostering interest and skill in a sport attracting increasing attention.
Participation in the YMCA’s co-ed flag football program rose by 56% from spring 2025 to spring 2026, reaching 230 players in Buncombe County, she noted.
The sport provides a platform for women traditionally excluded from football, Shores-Bobowski emphasized.
“Football is kind of a cultural powerhouse in the United States,” she said. “And [flag football] is a cool way that you provide access for girls to participate in that. To feel empowered.”
The NFL’s involvement has been pivotal in promoting the sport. In 2022, the Carolina Panthers initiated the state’s first pilot program, which now encompasses over 200 high school teams across the Carolinas.
Earlier this year, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) recognized girls flag football as a championship sport, paving the way for high schools to form teams under its governance, with competitions starting this fall. The inaugural state championship is scheduled for November 14, 2026.
Currently, over a hundred schools are engaged in the sport, as per a 2025 report from the NCHSAA. More than 150 schools, including North Buncombe and Erwin high schools, are preparing teams for the 2026-27 season.
The new YMCA league benefits from financial backing by NFL FLAG, which provides flag belts, footballs, coaching materials, marketing support, and access to tournaments. The league’s use of NFL branding on jerseys and promotional items has been “particularly beneficial,” according to Shores-Bobowski.
The league will commence play in early September at A.C. Reynolds High School, with registration available on the YMCA website.
