The Los Angeles Chargers played host to the third edition of their “Bolts on the Beach” girls flag football tournament, drawing more than 600 athletes from elite club teams across Southern California.
The competition spanned age groups from 10U through high school, featuring 56 squads that represented schools from Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura County, the Inland Empire and San Diego, as well as college club programs from UCLA, UC Berkeley and Cal Poly.
Among the notable figures in attendance was former Chargers linebacker Manti Te’o, who brought his four‑year‑old daughter to the event to illustrate the expanding horizons of the sport.
The momentum behind girls flag football
Te’o praised the rapid ascent of flag football, calling it the greatest game in the world and highlighting the sense of community that has blossomed among players, coaches and families.
Zach Emde, the Chargers’ Senior Director of Football Development, underscored the milestone, noting that the tournament reflects the broader surge of girls flag football in the state, supported by CIF‑sanctioned play, camps and development pathways.
With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, officials see the event as a springboard for Division I scholarships and a platform for athletes like Maya “Smitty” Smith of Camarillo High and quarterback Ava Ortman of Ventura High to showcase their talent.
The high school club championship was captured by LA Conquer, who edged BCS 26‑20, while the 14U division saw the Conquer Chargers sweep a “Conquer versus Conquer” showdown 23‑0 under Coach Brian Fournier.
Coach Michael Torrey Smith echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the girls’ love for the game and the positive attitudes that have become a hallmark of the tournament.