The Baltimore Ravens and Under Armor partner with Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools), Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), and Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) to provide grants and uniforms to develop high school girls' flag football program doing. This announcement follows a successful pilot year for girls flag football in Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS).
Looking ahead to 2024, the Ravens are pledging grants to 10 public high schools in Baltimore City, all 25 public high schools in Montgomery County, and six public high schools in Washington County, while starting their second year in Frederick County. Support will continue to be provided to 10 high schools. program. All participating schools play competitively on a fall calendar that mirrors other seasonal competitions hosted by their respective districts.
“Since successfully implementing this initiative last year, our primary focus has been on expanding the reach of women's flag football,” said Brad Downs, Ravens senior vice president of marketing. “Participating schools have pioneered meaningful programs that form a more inclusive version of our sport and have helped enrich the lives of many female student-athletes. The interest and progress has given us great pride and great joy.''I am responsible for continuing to grow this program across Maryland. ”
Under Armor, a leading inventor, marketer and distributor of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear and accessories, will continue to provide custom uniforms for each team.
“We are excited to expand our partnership and help female student-athletes gain the confidence they need to compete at the highest level, while expanding our brand's commitment to women and access to sports. ” said Trey Evans, director of team sports marketing at Under. Armor stated. “Sport plays an important role in helping young women develop into future leaders and giving them the courage to meet life's challenges head-on.”
In 2023, 280 student-athletes from 10 Frederick County public schools participated in the inaugural season of Maryland women's flag football. They competed in an eight-week season beginning with the “Kickoff Classic” and ending with the championship event, with Middletown defeating Urbana in three overtimes to win the title.
The Ravens will continue to support the development of innovative athletic activities that benefit the physical, social and mental health of female student-athletes. With 51 high schools expected to participate in 2024, the women's flag initiative will become a state-sanctioned sport, ensuring female student-athletes in every Maryland county will have similar opportunities in the future. We are rapidly moving towards our final goal.
Women's flag football has been steadily growing beyond Maryland in recent years. Highlighted by numerous NFL endorsements and partnerships, the sport has become the new sport for girls and women across the country and around the world. The International Olympic Committee announced in October 2023 that women's flag football will be added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Below are key quotes from leaders representing program participants.
Tiffany Byrd – Director of Athletics, Baltimore City Public Schools
“Through a generous grant from the Baltimore Ravens and uniforms provided by Under Armor, we are helping girls in our community excel in flag football. It’s about providing the necessary resources, as well as fostering a commitment to gender equality in sports, teamwork, leadership and a love of the game.”
Kevin Kendro – Frederick County Public Schools Athletics and Extracurricular Activities Supervisor
“Following a historic first year, Frederick County Public Schools could not be more excited about the second year of high school girls flag football.Baltimore City, Montgomery County and Washington County join FCPS to add girls flag football With this, we are optimistic that the sport will continue to grow throughout Maryland. ”
Eric Michael – Washington County Public Schools Athletic, Health, and Physical Education Supervisor
“After seeing the success of girls flag football with our Frederick County neighbors last fall, Washington County Public Schools is excited to be at the forefront of expanding this program across Maryland. This partnership with Under Armor will not only positively impact the WCPS community by expanding athletic opportunities for girls by introducing women's flag football to the community. , building a more just and supportive community where all girls know they can excel in both fields and off the field.”
Dr. Jeff Sullivan – Montgomery County Public Schools Systemwide Director of Athletics
“We are committed to providing further participation opportunities for our student-athletes and are excited to be part of the expansion of women's flag football in Maryland. Women's flag continues to grow across the nation. The Baltimore Ravens and Under Armor are bringing this excitement to 25 Montgomery County high schools. This initiative aligns directly with our core values of equity, access and active competition and is the starting point for a successful girls school flag across the county. . ”
