Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Lions have announced the return of the Michigan Girls High School Flag Football League for its third season, scheduled to commence in spring 2025. The league has grown significantly since its inception, expanding from four teams during its pilot season to 24 schools and over 600 participants in 2024. The league aims to double its size again in 2025. Schools interested in participating are encouraged to submit the 2025 commitment form by Friday, December 20.

Participating schools will receive support including uniforms and equipment provided by the Detroit Lions, Nike, and USA Football. The regular season will last approximately three weeks in spring and will culminate with a one-day post-season tournament for the first Michigan Girls High School Flag Football State Championship.

This initiative is unique at the high school level in Michigan and seeks to join the ranks of the 13 other states where girls' high school flag football is state-sanctioned. It offers young women opportunities to compete, stay active, build friendships, and potentially earn college scholarships.

Geoff Wickersham, head coach of Birmingham Groves High School's girls flag football team, expressed his enthusiasm: "I had no idea how much high school girls flag football would come to mean to our Groves community in just a few short months." He noted that some players received college scholarship offers for flag football and highlighted their participation in events like the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic as part of the Detroit Lions Women in Football initiative.

Currently organized as a club sport, this program allows students flexibility to engage in other spring sports without scheduling conflicts. Coaches do not need to be part of existing coaching staff; they can include teachers or administrators passionate about making a positive impact on student-athletes.

Chris Fritzsching, Executive Director of Football Education for the Detroit Lions said: "From the cheering fans to the competitiveness and passion the girls play with on the field, the enthusiasm around girls high school flag football is evident." He added that they are excited about bringing back their program for a third season in 2025 "to help grow the sport and provide opportunities for girls in Michigan."

Further information about standings, scores, and photos can be found at www.DetroitLions.com/girlsflag.