Glenwood Springs Hosts First All Girls Flag Football Game

"I couldn't be more proud of them," said Wes Campbell, a coach and parent of two players in Glenwood Springs, as he reflected on the first all-girls flag football game in the Roaring Fork Valley. The game, played between the 10U Aspen squad and Glenwood Springs A, marked a significant milestone in the growth of girls' flag football in the region.

The momentum behind girls' flag football is undeniable, with participation growing 63% from 2019 to 2023 for girls ages 6 to 17. The National Federation of State High School Associations reported 68,847 girls played high school flag football in 2024-2025, a 60% increase over the prior year. This surge in interest has led to the introduction of all-girls leagues and matchups, providing a unique opportunity for young female athletes to develop their skills and compete in a supportive environment.

Aspen and Glenwood Springs have been at the forefront of this movement, with Glenwood Springs launching its co-ed league in the fall of 2022. According to Nick Adams, the athletics supervisor for Glenwood Springs Parks and Recreation, the program has quickly become one of the most popular youth programs in the area, offering a fun, accessible, and inclusive environment for athletes of all experience levels. The introduction of all-girls matchups this season is a significant step forward, demonstrating the program's commitment to providing opportunities for female athletes.

The game itself was a celebration of the girls' hard work and dedication, with both teams displaying impressive skills and sportsmanship. As the teams took to the field on Lower Moore Field in Aspen, it was clear that this was more than just a game - it was a moment of empowerment and inspiration for the young athletes involved.

The numbers back that up, with flag football emerging as one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, particularly for girls. As the sport continues to gain popularity, it's likely that we'll see more all-girls leagues and matchups popping up in local communities and beyond.

By providing a platform for female athletes to compete and grow, programs like this one promote values like teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, which can have a lasting impact on the development of girls' sports. The success of such initiatives is crucial for fostering a love of sports among young girls, and the community is taking notice.

The question is whether this momentum can be sustained, and what the future holds for girls' flag football. As Nick Adams puts it, the key to success lies in creating a fun, accessible, and inclusive environment that allows athletes of all experience levels to thrive.

The future of girls' flag football in this region is bright, and it's being shaped by the dedication and passion of the young athletes involved. "This season, for the first time, we have enough participation to introduce all-girls matchups alongside our traditional co-ed league, marking a significant step forward in the growth of the program," said Nick Adams, highlighting the progress that's been made and the potential for further growth in the years to come. As the dust settles on this historic game, the impact of this program will be felt for years to come, and the community will be watching with interest as it continues to evolve. "These girls are blazing the trail for generations to come and I couldn’t be more proud of them," said Wes Campbell.