The Indianapolis Colts announced this week that they have reached a milestone in their "Road to 100" initiative, recruiting 108 Indiana high school girls flag football teams to compete in a league that could become fully sanctioned by the Indiana High School Athletic Association as early as May 2027.
The effort, which began with a modest eight‑team pilot in 2023, has expanded to more than 78 teams across the 2025 season and now encompasses teams representing over 50 Hoosier cities and towns. With a $1 million commitment from the Irsay family and up to $10,000 per school for startup costs, the program is removing financial barriers that have long limited girls’ participation in organized football.
A Vision for Inclusion
Kalen Jackson, the Colts’ Owner & Chief Brand Officer, said the initiative is about more than competition; it is about creating pathways for young women to experience teamwork, leadership and confidence on the field. "Girls flag football opens doors that have historically been closed," Jackson remarked, emphasizing the program’s alignment with the franchise’s broader community outreach goals.
Paul Neidig, commissioner of the Indiana High School Athletic Association, praised the Colts’ investment as a catalyst for broader acceptance of the sport. "Reaching over 100 participating schools is a testament to the growing interest among female athletes and the willingness of schools to embrace new opportunities," Neidig said.
Support and Sponsorship
Brian Flinn, senior vice president of global flag football at the NFL, highlighted the league’s role in providing a national framework for the sport’s growth. "The Colts’ vision has set a benchmark for how professional franchises can invest in grassroots development," Flinn noted, adding that the partnership with Gatorade and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital underscores the program’s health and community dimensions.
The Colts have also earmarked startup funds for the 2026 season, inviting schools and community groups to apply through Colts.com/GirlsFlag. While the sport remains classified as an "emerging sport" by the IHSAA, officials anticipate a formal sanctioning vote in May 2027, a timeline that could see girls flag football join the roster of officially recognized high school athletics in Indiana.