The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation announced a $1 million commitment to bolster girls high school flag football programs in North Carolina and South Carolina, building on a track record that already exceeds $2.5 million in support since 2022.
A Transformational Moment
The North Carolina High School Athletic Association’s recent vote to elevate the sport to varsity status marks a watershed moment, making North Carolina the 22nd state to recognize flag football at the elite level and opening the door for thousands of young athletes.
With more than 200 schools pledged to field teams for the 2026‑2027 season, the foundation’s latest infusion aims to accelerate participation, especially among girls who have never before joined a school‑sponsored sport; data from pilot programs show that 25‑50 % of participants did so for the first time.
Carolina Panthers community relations director Riley Fields described the development as “transformational,” noting the franchise’s four‑year involvement that began with a pilot league in Charlotte‑Mecklenburg in 2022 and culminated in the inaugural Girls High School Football Jamboree that fall.
The momentum extends beyond state lines, as over 40 states now offer girls flag football and more than 20 have granted it varsity standing; schools can begin applying for grants in January 2027, positioning the sport for its Olympic debut at the Los Angeles Games in 2028.