In recognition of the 35th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day, the New York Jets and Nike are creating a New Jersey High School Girls Flag Football League which will begin play in Spring of 2021.
In collaboration with the North Jersey Super Football Conference (NJSFC) and the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), eight high schools from New Jersey have agreed to participate in the inaugural season of the pilot league. The participating schools are: East Orange, Indian Hills, Irvington, Malcolm X Shabazz, Morristown, Passaic County Technical Institute, Ramapo and William L. Dickinson.
“We are extremely excited to be part of the NY Jets Girls Flag Football League,” said Ron Anello, Athletic Director at Ramapo High School. “What a wonderful opportunity for our student athletes to participate and be able to help grow the great game of football!”
Each school will receive an $11,000 grant and equipment from the Jets and Nike to cover all expenses of the program. This is the first High School Girls Flag Football League in New Jersey with the long-term goal to have the sport adopted as an official high school statewide championship sport.
Beyond funding and equipment, each school will receive uniforms from Nike from their new Girls Flag Football line of apparel. Prior to today’s announcement, the Jets and Nike sent one player from each team a gift box to unveil their school’s new uniforms with the message “EmpowHER.” The Jets and Nike believe girls should have the opportunity to play football and experience everything the greatest game in the world has to offer. The Jets New Jersey High School Girls Flag Football League will provide character building, perseverance, teamwork and dedication skills that will empower these girls throughout every aspect of their lives.
The Jets and Nike will also film and produce a content series that will follow the participants unique stories in their first year playing in the league. The season will culminate with all eight teams participating in our first annual Jets x Nike Girls Flag Football Invitational. In future years, the invitational will grow to incorporate other girls’ high school teams and leagues, including New York City’s Public Schools Athletic League.
