Press Article: Rigby Launches Inaugural Girls Flag Football League, Paving Way for Future Growth
RIGBY, ID — The landscape of youth sports is evolving, and Rigby is at the forefront with its inaugural girls flag football league, which took to the field at Harwood Elementary on Monday nights. This league signifies a seismic shift in a traditionally male-dominated sport, where hundreds of girls are now poised to embrace football fandom.
Driven by the passion of local advocates Andrea Boudrero and Hailey Belnap, this league allows high school girls and younger athletes to connect with a sport that has long been associated with boys. Boudrero recalls her childhood, playing football with boys and cherishing those moments. "Beyond Powder Puff, that’s all we knew," she said, but that is changing thanks to the new opportunities in Rigby.
While flag football has been a youth staple, high school offerings are rare. As of now, nine states have sanctioned girls’ flag football at the varsity level, with Idaho on the verge of a breakthrough. The league is currently home to ten high school teams, including five teams representing Rigby, and interest in expanding next season is already evident from neighboring schools.
Parents, coaches, and players share a unified enthusiasm, with Rigby athletic director Ty Shippen stating, “There’s a definite passion for it.” The league also benefits from its affiliation with NFL FLAG, tapping into a nationwide network that bolsters youth participation.
After just weeks of play, enthusiasm is palpable among players. As shared by junior Mikki Lopez, “After our first practice, I was really excited about this… it’s so much fun.” With flag football expected to make its Olympic debut in 2028, the future looks bright, promising a growing landscape for girls’ sports in Idaho.
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