More than one hundred girls between the ages of seven and fourteen gathered on a sunny Saturday at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, ready to learn the fundamentals of flag football.
The event was co‑hosted by Sutter Health, Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young, and the Forever Young Foundation, with another legend of the game, Jerry Rice, adding his presence to the day’s activities.
A New Playbook for Girls in Sports
Participants rotated through a series of drills and coaching stations led by volunteers, where they practiced passing, route running and defensive positioning while receiving encouragement from mentors.
Beyond the physical skills, the camp emphasized mental wellness, leadership development and the message that football belongs to every girl, regardless of the spaces originally designed for them.
Trevor Brand, chief executive of Sutter’s Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, highlighted how the sport teaches teamwork and resilience, noting that the experience can open pathways to high school participation and even college scholarships.
The gathering also served as a reminder of a broader partnership between Sutter Health and the Forever Young Foundation, aimed at fostering lifelong health, confidence and community connection for youth across Northern California.
The collaboration with the San Francisco 49ers further amplifies the reach of these initiatives, bringing health resources and wellness programming to communities throughout the region.
Organizers hope the camp will inspire more girls to step onto the field, embrace physical activity, and carry forward the values of inclusivity and perseverance that define the sport.