The Indianapolis Colts have positioned themselves at the forefront of a statewide effort to make girls flag football a fully sanctioned high school sport in Indiana. Dubbed the "Road to 100" initiative, the program began in 2023 with just eight participating teams and has since attracted commitments from 83 schools slated to field teams by 2026.
Central to the effort is a $1 million investment from the Colts organization, which covers startup expenses that typically range from $5,000 to $8,000 per program. In addition to funding, the team is providing up to $10,000 per school to help launch new programs and is offering free, certified training for players, coaches and officials.
Investing in Infrastructure and Officiating
A key component of the initiative is the partnership with RefReps, a platform that delivers officiating education. Through this collaboration, the Colts have funded training for 500 officials, ensuring that games are governed by qualified personnel from the outset. This infrastructure not only supports current teams but also builds a pipeline of skilled referees as the sport expands.
The ultimate objective is to achieve full sanctioning by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). Once recognized, girls flag football would join the roster of officially sponsored high school sports, granting it the same governance, scheduling and championship opportunities as traditional sports.
Beyond financial support, the Colts are leveraging relationships with local sponsors, including beverage partner Gatorade, to amplify visibility and provide additional resources for participating schools. The combined effort reflects a broader commitment to gender equity in athletics and to nurturing talent at the grassroots level.