The Indianapolis Colts have unveiled a new display at Lucas Oil highlighting the growing sport of girls flag football across Indiana.
The display – featuring photos of athletes from the original high schools to field a girls flag team and flags representing 100 high school program – joins other exhibits celebrating Indiana high school football in the southwest corner of the stadium.
The team also gave an update on the “Road to 100,” the team’s initiative to support and sustain the launch of 100 high school girls teams in Indiana in 2025:
IHSAA PROCESS
The first step in the process is to earn designation as an “emerging sport,” which requires 20 participating schools. The Colts created the Colts Girls High School Flag Football League in 2023 with eight teams. In 2024, the league expanded to 27 teams and has qualified to be voted on as an emerging sport in May 2025.
To become eligible as a sanctioned sport, 100 schools must compete while in “emerging sport” status. To reach this goal, the Colts launched the “Road to 100” – with a $1 million investment from the Jim Irsay family – to support and sustain the launch of 100 girls teams in 2025.
MAR. 2025 UPDATES
- New teams. Through the “Road to 100,” 51 high schools have committed to fielding a team, including new additions:
- 21st Century Academy (Gary)
- Beech Grove
- Brebeuf Jesuit
- Churubusco
- East Noble
- Floyd Central
- GEO Next Generation Academy (Indpls.)
- Hammond Academy of Science & Technology
- Hammond Morton
- Harrison (West Lafayette)
- LaVille
- Lighthouse CPC
- New Albany
- Rooted School Indianapolis
- Silver Creek
- St. Joseph (South Bend)
- Victory College Prep (Indpls.)
Schools and communities interested in fielding a team may visit Colts.com/GirlsFlag.
- Start-up funds still available. Costs associated with launching a team typically range from $5,000 to $8,000 to fund equipment, uniforms, training and coaching stipends. To help offset that cost, the Colts will invest up to $10,000 each in the schools joining the “Road to 100” in 2025.
The Colts have prioritized flag football development to introduce the game to new players and fans, especially girls, who traditionally have not had the same opportunities to learn and play the game as boys. The Colts Girls Flag program is fueled by Gatorade and sponsored in part by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. For more info, visit Colts.com/GirlsFlag.
The above story is from a Colts news release
