INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts and the Irsay family have announced a $1 million investment to help promote girls high school flag football in Indiana.
In order to achieve their goal, the Colts are launching the "Road to 100" program to support and sustain the launch of 100 girls high school sports teams.
In order to become an IHSAA sanctioned sport, the sport must be designated as an "emerging sport" and requires 20 participating schools to do so. Currently, 27 schools have active girls high school flag football programs.
However, 100 member schools are required to participate in order for it to become a fully sanctioned IHSAA sport.
According to the Colts' press release, launching a girls high school flag football team could cost between $5,000 to $8,000. In order to help schools offset that cost, the Colts will invest up to $10,000 each to the next 75 schools that commit to fielding a team in 2025.
“Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world for a reason – it offers physical and mental health benefits, teaches teamwork, discipline and resilience, and is a pathway to greater opportunities for young women in sports and beyond,” said Kalen Jackson, Colts Vice Chair & Owner. “The more girls play, the stronger the game will be.”
Schools and communities interested in fielding a team can click here for more information.