DETROIT – The Detroit Lions have announced the return of the Michigan Girls High School Flag Football League for its 'Third Season,' set to begin in the spring of 2025. Since its inception, the league has experienced remarkable growth, starting with four teams during its pilot season and expanding to 24 schools and over 600 participants in 2024. With continued success, the league aims to double its size again in 2025. The team is asking all schools interested in competing in the 'Third Season' — whether past participants or newcomers —to fill out the 2025 commitment form by Friday, Dec. 20.
Schools that choose to participate will receive full support, with uniforms and equipment provided by the Detroit Lions, Nike and USA Football. The regular season will span approximately three weeks in the spring and include a one-day post-season tournament for the first Michigan Girls High School Flag Football State Championship.
This league is the first of its kind at the high school level in Michigan, aiming to join the 13 other states where girls high school flag football is state-sanctioned. The sport provides young women with an exciting opportunity to compete, stay active, build friendships and potentially earn college scholarships.
"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," said Girls Flag Football Head Coach of Birmingham Groves High School Geoff Wickersham. "A few of my players received college scholarship offers to play flag football, and we were also fortunate to participate in the Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic and proud to be part of the Detroit Lions Women in Football initiative this year. Flag football is truly the future of sports and offers so many possibilities for girls to pursue something they love."
Currently organized as a club sport, the program offers students the flexibility to participate in other spring sports, without scheduling conflicts, and provides an alternative for those not involved in a current athletic program. Coaches are not required to be part of the high school's existing coaching staff; instead, they can include a teacher or administrator from within the district who is passionate about the game and eager to make a positive impact on student-athletes.
"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," said Detroit Lions Executive Director of Football Education Chris Fritzsching. "The game is providing girls an opportunity to be part of a new team, build friendships and overcome challenges. We are excited to bring our program back for a 'Third Season' in 2025 to help grow the sport and provide opportunities for girls in Michigan."
Additional league information (standings, scores and photos) can be found at www.DetroitLions.com/girlsflag.
