ACCC Welcomes Women’s Flag Football to its Athletic Program
In a groundbreaking decision, the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) has announced the inclusion of women’s flag football in its athletic offerings. This exciting development, revealed on Tuesday, marks a significant milestone for female athletes across the state.
New Opportunities for Female Athletes
The ACCC highlighted that flag football has been officially sanctioned by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), and the inaugural season will begin in the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative aims to provide more athletes with the chance to compete and thrive in a rapidly growing sport.
A Significant Milestone
ACCC Commissioner Dean Myrick expressed his enthusiasm for this program addition, stating, “This is one of the most thrilling developments we’ve seen in the past decade. It’s a wonderful day when we can expand opportunities for our female student-athletes.” He noted that interest in flag football has surged at the high school level in Alabama, making it a natural choice for expansion at the community college level.
A Momentous Announcement
The announcement took place at the Cramton Bowl, attended by key officials from participating colleges, including presidents, deans, and athletic directors. Representatives from organizations such as NFL FLAG, the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association, and the Alabama Association of Resource, Conservation and Development (RC&D) were also present to support this landmark initiative.
The Growing Popularity of Women’s Flag Football
Izell Reese, a Dothan native and Executive Director of NFL FLAG, praised the ACCC for opening new pathways for women in the sport. “Women’s flag football is the fastest-growing sport in the United States. It is experiencing phenomenal growth,” stated Reese, who has been with NFL FLAG since 2019. “Once upon a time, there were limited opportunities for women to continue playing flag football after high school. The prospect of competition at the community college level is exciting for many and will also be welcomed by four-year colleges.”
Advocacy and Support
Dr. Jeff Goodwin, President of Northwest Shoals Community College, has been a champion for women’s flag football, having facilitated its introduction at Oxford High School in 2021. He emphasized the commitment of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) to support such initiatives. “We’re dedicated to providing the best opportunities for our students, especially in extracurricular activities,” he said.
Financial Backing for Launch
The ACCC also announced that RC&D will contribute $50,000 to help kickstart the flag football program. RC&D Executive Director Katie Conner emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “It promotes inclusion, empowers women in sports, and creates new opportunities for community college student-athletes. We are delighted to be a part of this innovative project.”
A Bright Future Ahead
Once competition officially begins, the ACCC will boast the largest flag football conference in the NJCAA, setting a promising precedent for the growth of women’s sports in Alabama.
