The Indianapolis Colts have turned a modest pilot into a statewide push to make girls flag football an official high school sport, pouring a $1 million investment from the Irsay family into the “Road to 100” campaign.
From Eight Teams to a Hundred Schools
What began as an eight‑team experiment in 2023 has swelled to 78 schools competing this season, with the program on track to reach its century‑school goal by 2026. New members slated for the 2026 roster include Anderson Prep, DeKalb, Indiana Math & Science, Merrillville and South Central, expanding the footprint across the state.
Each new program receives up to $10,000 in startup assistance, covering everything from equipment to coach education. The typical cost to launch a team sits between $5,000 and $8,000, a barrier the Colts are helping to lower for schools that might otherwise struggle to field a squad.
Building a Referee Pipeline
Understanding that game quality hinges on well‑trained officials, the Colts partner with RefReps to offer free training for girls flag football referees. The initiative supports roughly 500 officials, providing education tools that elevate play standards and ensure a professional experience for athletes and fans alike.
Beyond the field, the league enjoys the backing of Gatorade, whose sports‑drink portfolio fuels athletes, and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, which sponsors community outreach and health initiatives tied to the sport.
With the IHSAA having designated girls flag football as an emerging sport in May 2025, the Colts’ roadmap not only charts a path to 100 participating schools but also sets a precedent for gender equity in high school athletics across Indiana.