Girls' flag football is surging across the United States, emerging as one of the fastest‑growing sports at the high school level.
Nineteen states, including Florida, have officially sanctioned the sport, and more than 60 colleges now field varsity teams, underscoring its rapid expansion.
At Steinbrenner High School in Tampa, coach Gregory Puskas balances leading the boys' football program with steering the school's girls' flag football squad, a dual role that reflects the sport's rising profile.
A Gear Revolution for Female Athletes
Motivated by his daughters, Puskas founded Flag‑Up, a brand dedicated to equipment tailored for female players, filling a gap in the market that previously left girls without properly fitted gear.
Since its launch, Flag‑Up has shipped products to 38 states and exported to six countries, a testament to the sport's widening appeal.
The 2026 Florida Girls Flag Football State Championships illustrated the enthusiasm of participants and spectators alike, highlighting the competitive depth that has developed in just a few years.
Looking ahead, the discipline is slated to appear at the 2028 Olympic Games, a milestone that could further accelerate its adoption nationwide.