TIFTON, Ga. (WALB) — The Atlanta Falcons hosted a girls flag football clinic at Tift County High School, bringing coaches with NFL experience to south Georgia as part of an ongoing effort to expand the sport statewide.
The Falcons launched a pilot program in 2018 at 19 high schools in Gwinnett County. Two years later, Georgia became the fourth state in the country to officially sanction girls flag football. As of 2025, more than 300 schools across the state recognize it as an official sport.
Program expands south
Falcons representative Pedro Salgado said the organization is now focused on reaching communities beyond metro Atlanta.
“Now, we’re trying to grow the game around south Georgia. So, we’re down here today introducing girls flag football to the area. Whether this is their first time touching a football or they have been playing for a couple years, we’re trying to grow the sport down here,” Salgado said.
Cook County sharpening skills
The Cook Lady Hornets, preparing for their second season, participated in the clinic to build chemistry and develop technique. Head coach Hayley Pickle said the event carries weight beyond the drills.
“We went last year and obviously the girls really bought in,” Pickle said. “Again, knowing these guys have played in the NFL, it sends a message that not only do the NFL players care about girls’ sports but flag football in general, just helping to grow the sport.”
Players said they came away with tangible improvements. Alani Flemming-Byers said she worked on route running and learned how to sell her routes more effectively. Karleigh Howze said she improved her footwork and hip movement.
“I gained better footwork and better movement with my hips and my feet. I think that will definitely help during the season,” Howze said.
Growth on and off the field
Falcons coach Robert Henderson III said the program is designed to give young women more than athletic development.
“Creating that space for the ladies is awesome. It gives them an outlet and they’re also able to learn and gain new friends while playing in a competitive environment,” Henderson said. “A lot of soft tools of football you take into life and those are some of the things we are trying to implement to the ladies as well.”
Henderson also encouraged coaches and athletic directors to invest in the sport.
“Listen, flag football is blowing up and it’s only gonna get bigger from here,” Henderson said. “I would advise any coach or athletic director to really indulge and invest in these young ladies. There’s a lot of skill out here. It’s just up to the athletic directors and the coaches to cultivate that skill and be able to get them to that next level.”
What’s next
College opportunities in women’s flag football continue to grow, with more than a dozen Division I programs now sponsoring the sport. The NFL has announced plans to launch men’s and women’s flag leagues in 2027.
The GHSA girls flag football season begins Sept. 7. The state championships will return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in December.
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