Times are changing, and so are sports, with the recent admission of flag football in high school athletic programs. As more girls start showing their interest in football, more equal opportunities in the sport are necessary.
Next year flag football is being brought to this school and the rest of MCPS after being inspired by other schools across the country who already include it. Flag football has already been piloted at certain high schools, not including this one. There are 30 spots available on the fall’s team but coaches have not been decided yet, as the hiring process is still in progress.
The NFL is determined to make flag football a sport at every school in the country, which is why they are sponsoring the program. “The Ravens are holding coaching clinics. They are sponsoring every team in Montgomery County. They are paying for 30 uniforms and equipment [and] they really want to see this get off the ground,” athletic director Alton Lightsey said.
Flag football will be a fall girls’ varsity sport. It is less physical than regular football because instead of having to tackle your opponents to get them out, players detach the flag that is tied around their waists. With every other school in MCPS adding this sport to their athletic programs, students are eager to see just how competitive it will be. “I’m so excited to play flag football because I’m going to get to play with my friends. I’ve always loved football, but haven’t had an opportunity to play competitively,” sophomore Megan Lomotan said.
Although flag football is a full varsity sport, players can also participate in another fall sport at the same time. Students are only able to register for one sport per season on Synergy, so in order to play two sports, students must complete a form after getting permission from the athletic director. Dual enrollment is not permitted with any other sport besides flag football, but there are issues to consider when deciding to play two sports in the same season. It’s important to take into account the workload you’ll have with schoolwork and having to balance practices and game schedules for both sports.
High school athletes are only allowed to spend three hours a day at practices for a sport, so in order to do dual enrollment you must divide that time between the two sports. “Juggling flag football and soccer especially as a junior is going to be very hard because of the physical demand and school work demand, but it’s something I really want to do so I’m going to work hard to do both sports,” Lomotan said.
The program has already gained lots of support from this school and students are excited to see how well they will play in the regular season and how far they’ll get in playoffs. If you are a girl who loves football and has always wanted the opportunity to play the sport for this school, check the athletics website and Instagram for updates about tryouts and coaches. “I am excited about trying a new sport. I know a lot of my friends from different sports want to try it as well so I think I will have a lot of fun on the team,” sophomore Maya Bellamy said.
