In Western New York, girls flag football has seen rapid growth since its introduction in 2022. The number of teams in Section VI increased from 12 to 61 for the 2026 season, now including high school, middle school, and private institutions. Section III in Syracuse is also expanding, with 33 teams set for the upcoming season.
Marissa Dauria, Co-State Girls Flag Football Coordinator and Section VI Girls Flag Chairperson, noted the speed of this expansion. “I’ve never seen a program, boys or girls, grow this fast in high school athletics,” Dauria said. “This is to a really high level too. You watch them at the state championship and they are really competing.”
Ellie Edwards, Pioneer quarterback and Buffalo Bills 2025 Maxwell Award Nominee, became involved with flag football at an early age through a Bills-sponsored youth league. “I wanted to play football when I was younger,” Edwards said. “My parents introduced me to a Bills flag league that was through their youth sports program. I started playing when I was around eight years old.” She now sees increasing interest among young girls: “At Pioneer we have a great community and there’s a bunch of young girls really getting interested in flag football,” she explained.
Opportunities for girls continue beyond high school as well. At the January 16, 2026 NCAA Convention, flag football was added to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program—a step toward official sanctioning by the NCAA. Charrise Everett, head coach at SUNY Brockport’s women’s flag team, highlighted these developments: “All I can think about honestly is opportunity,” Everett said. “The opportunities are going to be endless because the next step is being sanctioned. Now you have the girls who can have an official Division I offer, and it’s just adding to the growth of the sport.”
Official recognition would bring more funding and scholarships for athletes while encouraging colleges and universities to add women’s flag football programs. Edwards commented on this momentum: “I’m definitely interested in playing at the collegiate level,” she said.
Players cite both physical benefits and mental development from participating in flag football. Edwards emphasized her mental toughness as a key asset: “I definitely think my mental toughness sets me apart when it comes to being a quarterback.” Dauria observed that taking on leadership roles boosts confidence among players: “For a girl to walk around their school and be their quarterback… there’s just a weight with that that has really elevated things.”
The Buffalo Bills organization has played an important role in supporting local growth through grants and equipment donations via partnerships with foundations such as the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. In its second year of Modified Flag Football grants distribution, last year saw 21 schools receive support; this year that number will rise to 32.
“I love how the Bills are standing behind it and putting their support in the schools to make sure schools have modified programs by supplying grants and equipment,” Everett said.
Dauria added: “I thought it was growing in popularity with the kids, but when you bring in a professional organization and the Bills are so respected, it just automatically magnified it.”
Many participants look up to current Buffalo Bills players as role models—Edwards named Josh Allen as her inspiration: “Josh Allen because he’s the hometown hero,” she said.
The inclusion of women’s flag football at future events like the 2028 Olympics reflects broader changes happening across women’s sports nationally—a trend paralleled by increased attention on college basketball stars such as Caitlin Clark.
“I’ve just never seen something so powerful for girls athletics,” Dauria said regarding recent developments.
Everett summarized her perspective on ongoing efforts: “We are trailblazing a way. We are leaders in that aspect… I just encourage everyone to try it out.”
With continued backing from organizations like the Buffalo Bills and growing opportunities at all levels—from youth leagues through college—the region’s investment signals ongoing momentum for girls’ participation in flag football.
