The North Carolina High School Athletic Association voted to officially sanction girls flag football as a varsity sport statewide. North Carolina now becomes the 22nd state to sanction girls flag, joining a national movement in the leadup to the 2028 Olympic Games, where flag football will make its global debut. This fall, 154 high schools across North Carolina are committed to fielding girls flag football teams, a number expected to grow in the coming weeks. This milestone is about so much more than the sport itself; it's about opening new doors for young women to compete, to lead, and to discover what they're capable of.

Momentum is building in South Carolina, with 55 high schools already committed to fielding girls high school flag football teams. Our commitment remains strong in supporting progress every step of the way until girls across both states have equal access to the game.

The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation's $1 million commitment to girls high school flag football programs across both North and South Carolina will help ensure that young women throughout the region have the support, infrastructure, and resources needed to enjoy this incredible game. Throughout the sanctioning process, David and Nicole have been consistent advocates, working diligently to create meaningful pathways for the growth of flag football while expanding opportunities for young women to build confidence and form lasting memories. Information about the grant application process will be announced in early 2027.