A new era for girls sports
The Sioux Falls School District announced a landmark partnership with the Minnesota Vikings that will bring girls flag football to the city’s high schools and middle schools beginning in the fall of 2026.
The program will be open to middle and high school students across all four of the district’s high schools and the three community learning centers that serve the city’s middle schools, giving hundreds of young athletes a chance to compete in a structured, team‑based environment.
Practices are slated for one to two times per week, with Saturday events scheduled three times each month, allowing participants to balance academics and athletics while building camaraderie on the field.
Funding and structure
All startup costs — including equipment, uniforms, and coaching salaries — will be covered by a grant from the Vikings, removing financial barriers that have historically limited girls’ flag football opportunities in the region.
Executive Director for the Community Learning Centers, Paul Keizer, expressed gratitude for the Vikings’ investment, noting that the partnership reflects a growing recognition of the sport’s potential to engage young women across Sioux Falls.
Brett Taber, vice president of social impact for the Minnesota Vikings, emphasized the importance of providing clear, organized pathways for girls to experience flag football, saying the initiative aligns with the team’s broader commitment to community development.
Path to sanctioning
The pilot program is designed to generate interest, increase participation rates, and create a measurable pipeline that could eventually lead the South Dakota High School Activities Association to sanction girls flag football as an official state sport.
If successful, the model could be replicated in other districts, positioning South Dakota as a leader in expanding athletic opportunities for female students while leveraging private‑sector support to fund innovative programs.