MOORHEAD, MINN. (Valley News Live) - Concordia College is set to kick off its inaugural women’s flag football season this spring as part of an initiative spearheaded by the Minnesota Vikings. The team held it’s first practice today, March 18.
On March 3, the Vikings announced the launch of a collegiate women’s flag football league in collaboration with at least six NCAA institutions, including Concordia.
“I’m more so intrigued and excited to see what happens and what it entails. I’m a competitive person and I’m excited to transfer that into football,” said Emily Larsen. “I’m super proud to be a part of an institution that wants to elevate women’s sports in this way,” said Head Coach, Bre Nelson. “It’s just a really creative way to get students involved in a sport they might not be able to try. I just asked the young woman why, why this and they all said because they love football,” said Concordia College President, Colin Irvine.
With support from the NFL, the Vikings are providing $140,000 in funding to help establish the league and support participating schools.
“For these young women it’s a cool experience. It’s something that they never had. It’s taking women’s sports to that next level,” said Nelson. “I think that having a wide variety of sports that women can be involved in is super important,” said Makaela Zierden.
Concordia will compete in a series of jamborees in April before culminating in a championship tournament on April 26 at Twin Cities Orthopedic Performance Center. The facility, in Eagan, Minnesota, serves at the Vikings’ headquarters and home of training camp.
Schedule of events:
* Saturday, April 5 – Jamboree at University of Northwestern, St. Paul
* Saturday, April 12 – Jamboree at University of Wisconsin, Stout
* Saturday, April 26 – Championship tournament at TCO Stadium
“To have that opportunity and more appreciation for women and playing football and I’m just excited to see what it looks like and get a chance to be there,” said Larsen. “I love watching the Vikings play during the season. I’m hoping we might see some there,” said Zierden.
Concordia Athletic Director Rachel Bergeson has been working closely with the Vikings to bring this opportunity to campus.
“We’re proud to be part of this initiative that advances women’s sports,” Bergeson said. “This is about more than competition, it’s about breaking barriers. I looked forward to seeing the energy and passion our players will bring to this program.”
The other participating schools currently are Augustana University (S.D), Gustavus Adolphus College, Bethel University, the University of Northwestern, St. Paul and the University of Wisconsin, Stout.
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