CIAA to Launch Women’s Flag Football Program At 7 HBCUs Next Spring
CHARLOTTE, NC – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is set to make history with the launch of Women’s Flag Football, slated to begin in Spring 2025. Seven member institutions will participate in this new program, enhancing opportunities for female student-athletes at HBCUs. The participating universities are:
- Bluefield State University
- Bowie State University
- Claflin University
- Fayetteville State University
- Johnson C. Smith University
- Virginia Union University
- Winston-Salem State University
The CIAA commends these institutions for their dedication to expanding athletic opportunities for women. The addition of Women’s Flag Football aligns with the NCAA’s potential designation of the sport as an emerging women’s sport in the near future.
“We’re incredibly excited for the continued growth of the CIAA as we add women’s flag football to the many sports our historic conference offers our student-athletes,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker. “The opportunity to not only expand but to give young women the chance to be at the forefront of this expansion, offering a phenomenal competitive opportunity, is one we’re proud to present. We look forward to seeing these ladies take the field and commence a new era. We’re also incredibly grateful for the NFL’s providing all necessary assistance to grow this sport throughout the nation at all levels.”
The women’s flag football teams will feature an average of 25 players per roster, competing in a 7-on-7 format. Games will consist of four 12-minute quarters played on an 80×40-yard field.
The expansion of flag football has garnered substantial support from the NFL, which has utilized its facilities and stadiums for competitions, clinics, and events to promote the sport. Over the past year, more than 700,000 youth participated in NFL FLAG leagues, with nearly 500,000 female athletes. Additionally, 13 states have officially recognized girls’ flag football as a championship sport, a testament to efforts from the NFL and RCX Sports, the official operator of NFL FLAG.
“The RCX Sports Foundation is proud to award a grant to the CIAA Conference to help launch women’s flag football in spring 2025 as part of our mission of ‘Sports for All,'” said RCX Sports CEO Izell Reese. “This grant ensures that CIAA female student-athletes have the opportunity to excel in a growing sport, fostering an inclusive environment where all athletes can thrive.”
The CIAA eagerly anticipates the inaugural season of Women’s Flag Football and the positive impact this program will have on student-athletes across its participating schools. For more information on the program, visit the CIAA website.