Aledo High School will open its doors to a new kind of competition on August 9, hosting a flag football clinic at Vierling Field aimed at gauging interest in forming an official girls’ team.
Community Response and Growing Interest
The event, spearheaded by longtime coach Richey Delgado, reflects a nationwide surge in flag football participation, especially among young women, a trend that has seen a 37 percent rise since 2015.
Coach Richey Delgado's Vision
Delgado, a former U.S. National Team scout and coach of 14U and 17U boys squads that captured a gold medal in 2025, transitioned from tackle to flag football as an adult. His extensive work with the Texas Fury DFW club, champions of the 2025 NFL Flag Regional, has positioned him as a leading educator of the sport in North Texas.
From Club to Varsity
Flag football is on the cusp of varsity recognition in 23 states, and Texas is expected to follow under the University Interscholastic League. Delgado and Athletic Director Brandy Belk anticipate roughly fifteen girls will join the inaugural Aledo club team for the upcoming spring season, a roster that could expand as awareness spreads.
Olympic Spotlight and College Pathways
The sport’s inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics has amplified its visibility, while Delgado’s clinic participants are already attracting multiple college offers. Players such as Annalise Rachels, who was encouraged by her father to try the game, and Jadyn Gardner, a rising ninth‑grader inspired by her sister’s involvement, illustrate the expanding talent pipeline.
Beyond competition, the clinics serve an educational purpose, demystifying flag football for families and schools alike. As the community rallies around the initiative, the prospect of a fully sanctioned team appears increasingly tangible.