Collegiate Women’s Flag Football Game Debuts on Bears’ Home Turf
First-Ever Collegiate Women’s Flag Football Game
What we know:
The players are the pioneers of the fast-growing sport of flag football. The first-ever collegiate game pitted Benedictine University against Rockford University at the Walter Payton Center on Saturday. The girls who played on the first high school teams are now committing to colleges and growing the sport.
“This is their sport, not a men’s sport that they’re allowed to play. This is their own sport. This is their own brand,” said Gustavo Silva, Chicago Bears manager of youth and high school football.
It was a by-invitation game, giving youth players from around Chicago a glimpse of what’s possible for them. On the sidelines was Erin Pruitt, head coach of Simeon High School’s flag football team, who brought her young players to watch.
“I think it builds confidence. It allows them to see that this really can be you. It helps them with planning; it helps them with goal-setting. It helps them with setbacks, too. It helps to build a lot of adversity. So when they run into an issue on the field, we’re really coaching them through that moment, not just to be a better athlete, but a better student, a better friend,” said Pruitt.
What’s Next
The goals for flag football are Division I teams, the Olympics, and beyond. “We don’t want girls to graduate without having the opportunity to play this game that we love,” said Silva.
For this moment, the Bears invoked the name of the most powerful woman in the NFL: Virginia Halas McCaskey. They said she would be smiling down on this game.
Conclusion
The debut of collegiate women’s flag football on the Chicago Bears’ home turf marked a significant milestone in the sport’s growth. As the game continues to gain popularity, it’s clear that the future is bright for women’s flag football. With the goal of reaching Division I teams, the Olympics, and beyond, it’s an exciting time for players and coaches alike.
FAQs
* What is the goal of women’s flag football?
– To reach Division I teams, the Olympics, and beyond
* Who is Gustavo Silva?
– Chicago Bears manager of youth and high school football
* What is the purpose of the game?
– To provide an opportunity for young women to play the sport and build confidence, skills, and character
* Who is Virginia Halas McCaskey?
– The most powerful woman in the NFL, invoked by the Bears to represent the spirit of the game