The Denver Broncos are launching a Girls High School Flag Football pilot program in Colorado. According to a story on DenverBroncos.com, it will three school districts, 25 teams and over 550 participants.
“The Denver Broncos are thrilled to have this opportunity to help bring girls high school flag to 25 high schools throughout the Denver Metro Area,” said Bobby Mestas, Broncos Director of Youth & High School Football. “The districts, the schools and the Colorado High School Activities Association have been tremendous partners thus far and we’re excited to offer the sport of football to more than 500 female student athletes this fall.”
The three-year pilot program will be launched with the help of the Colorado High School Activities Association. The goal is to have the sport sanctioned statewide by the CHSAA.
“The Colorado High School Activities Association is proud to partner with the Denver Broncos and our high schools as we look to promote this new opportunity for female participation in flag football”, said CHSAA Commissioner Mike Krueger. “Flag football is a fast, fun and exciting way to experience the game of football, and we are thrilled that girls in Broncos Country will have the chance to participate in this experience first-hand.”
Practices began earlier this month for each program. Jamborees have been taking place every Saturday since the middle of the month with a minimum of three games played per school. District postseason tournaments will begin on Saturday, Oct. 8, where eight teams will advance to play in a single-elimination championship tournament held at the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse at UCHealth Training Center on Saturday, Oct. 15. The inaugural championship team will be honored at the annual High School Salute game this season vs. Arizona on Dec. 18.
“Jeffco Athletics is extremely grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Denver Broncos, Cherry Creek Athletics and Denver Public Schools Athletics this fall,” said Patrick Simpson, Executive Director of Athletics and Activities for Jeffco Public Schools. “This pilot will provide our female student-athletes with the incredible opportunity to bring girls flag football to the state of Colorado.”
Home and away jerseys for each team were provided by NIKE, at no cost to the programs.
A complete list of participating teams and school districts are below:
| Cherry Creek Schools | Denver Public Schools | Jeffco Public Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Cherokee Trail | Abraham Lincoln | Arvada |
| Cherry Creek | Denver East | Arvada West |
| Eaglecrest | Denver North | Bear Creek |
| Grandview | Denver South | Chatfield |
| Overland | Denver West | Columbine |
| Smoky Hill | George Washington | Evergreen |
| Kennedy | Lakewood | |
| Montbello | Littleton | |
| Northfield | Pomona | |
| Thomas Jefferson |
