Flag football has officially become a sanctioned varsity sport in North Carolina high schools, marking the first time the game is recognized at the high school level in the state. The move, sanctioned by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association in May 2024, opens a new competitive pathway for thousands of female athletes.
Statewide Adoption and Growth
Durham Public Schools has emerged as the driving force behind the expansion, fielding six high school teams that include Southern, Riverside, Northern High and Hillside High. Since the sport's launch in 2023, participation has surged by 50% nationwide, with 4.1 million children now playing flag football across the United States, according to NFL data.
Coaches Brian Nunn of Southern High and Ryan Samuels of Riverside High have emphasized skill development and non‑physical aggression, teaching players to outmaneuver defenders through speed, timing and strategic route running rather than tackling. Their approach reflects the sport's appeal as a less‑contact alternative to traditional tackle football.
The Carolina Panthers have amplified the sport's profile by launching a high school league in the Charlotte‑Mecklenburg district, a program that now encompasses more than 200 schools and 3,000 athletes throughout North and South Carolina. This grassroots momentum has helped push flag football toward national recognition.
In August 2024, the NCAA approved funding to create a national championship for flag football, signaling institutional support that could elevate the sport beyond high school walls. The Olympic Games will feature flag football as a demonstration event in Los Angeles 2028, adding another layer of aspiration for today's competitors.
The season kicks off on September 9, 2024, with regular‑season games leading into playoffs that culminate in the first North Carolina state championship on November 14, 2024. Teams from the ‘Tobacco Road’ conference, including Southern and Riverside, will meet twice during the regular season before the postseason showdown.
Greyson Range, a senior at Riverside High, is navigating college recruitment while eyeing a spot on the 2028 Olympic roster. She has received four offers from smaller colleges and credits her coaches for fostering both athletic and academic growth. Her journey exemplifies the broader trend of athletes from basketball, soccer and volleyball transitioning to flag football to expand their skill sets.