Young athletes in Rockville will soon have a new way to get active and learn the fundamentals of football as the city introduces its first-ever NFL flag football league this fall.
Flag football is growing rapidly across the country, particularly among girls. Montgomery County Public Schools launched a girls flag football pilot program last year at all 25 of the county’s high schools. The sport is also set to make its Olympic debut in 2028.
Fourteen states have sanctioned girls flag football as a varsity high school sport. It ranked as the 12th most popular girls sport in the 2023-24 school year, with 42,955 participants, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. NFL FLAG reports that nearly 500,000 girls aged 6 to 17 played flag football in 2023.
Open to boys and girls from kindergarten through eighth grade, Rockville’s league offers a fast-paced, non-contact format designed to promote teamwork, sportsmanship and skill development. Participants will receive an official NFL FLAG reversible jersey and flag belt as part of their registration.
The season will run from early September through late October, featuring six weeks of weekend games and one weekly team practice. Divisions will be organized by grade level: kindergarten/first, second/third, fourth/fifth and sixth through eighth. Whenever possible, boys and girls will compete in separate divisions.
The league is open to all skill levels, from first-time players to seasoned athletes, and aims to provide a safe, inclusive environment for learning the game and building confidence.
Volunteer coaches are needed and will receive training materials from the NFL FLAG program. All games will be officiated by certified, paid referees to ensure consistent and fair play. Call 240-314-8620 or email sports@rockvillemd.gov for details.
Registration for Rockville’s recreation programs, including adult and children’s sports leagues, opens Thursday, Aug. 14. Visit rockvillemd.gov/recreation/sports for more information and to register for league play.