A grassroots spark
When Bob Berwald first gathered his two daughters on a backyard field in Mentor, Ohio, the notion of an organized league for girls flag football seemed like a modest experiment.
Six years later, that experiment has blossomed into a statewide phenomenon, with more than 160 teams competing across Ohio and the Ohio High School Athletic Association officially sanctioning the sport in 2024.
The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals have been instrumental in accelerating the growth, providing exposure and resources that turned a local pastime into a cultural movement.
From local tournament to Olympic stage
The inaugural statewide tournament unfolded at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, drawing families, coaches and former players who had watched the sport evolve from a backyard pastime.
Local colleges such as John Carroll, Baldwin‑Wallace and Ursuline have embraced women’s flag football, adding scholarship opportunities and competitive programs that further legitimize the sport.
The momentum even reached the Olympic arena, with flag football slated to make its debut at the 2028 Games, promising a new generation of athletes.
Bob Berwald, together with his wife Gennine and daughters Alexis and Breanna, credits the mentorship of area boys’ football coaches — including Doug Ute, Matt Rosati, Tiger LaVerde and Josh DeWeese — for accelerating the league’s early growth.
Players like Jenner Tekancic, Hannah Lee and others have become visible faces of the movement, inspiring younger participants and drawing media attention.
The Browns’ gesture of gifting Bob and Gennine tickets to the 2025 Super Bowl underscores the broader community’s appreciation for the Berwald family’s dedication.
As the sport continues to expand, the collaboration between grassroots organizers, school districts and professional franchises suggests that Ohio’s flag football model could serve as a blueprint for other states.