The New Orleans Saints and the Mississippi High School Activities Association are collaborating to launch high school flag football for female student-athletes in the Magnolia State.
Per officials, the sport’s debut in the state is set to begin this spring with the inaugural season slated to kick off in late March. The historic partnership between the NFL franchise and the state will serve to expand access to girls’ sports in Mississippi, allowing female athletes to compete in a sport typically dominated by their male peers.
The pilot season will feature 12 high schools, with games taking place at Southwest Mississippi Community College and Picayune High School. The participating schools include:
- Brandon High School
- East Central High School
- George County High School
- McComb High School
- Meridian High School
- Oak Grove High School
- Perry Central High School
- Picayune High School
- Richland High School
- South Pike High School
- St. Martin High School
- Vancleave High School
“In keeping with our mission to enhance the educational experience through opportunities for participation in interscholastic activities, this initiative reflects our commitment to growing access and opportunity for student-athletes throughout the state,” MHSAA Executive Director Rickey Neaves said. “We are grateful for the New Orleans Saints and the NFL for their partnership in this effort and look forward to building a robust, long-term relationship with the Saints organization.”
The kickstarting of girls’ flag football in Mississippi also represents a continuation of the Saints’ work in advancing the growth of the sport across the Gulf South. The franchise is hoping to inspire future generations of athletes by creating new opportunities for youth to enjoy one of America’s most popular sports.
“We are thrilled to partner with the MHSAA and bring the excitement of girls’ flag football to the state of Mississippi,” New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson said. “This is just the beginning, and we look forward to seeing the league grow, offering more young women the chance to experience the joy and empowerment that sports bring.”
Both the Saints and MHSAA will work to expand the girls’ flag football program to add more schools and student-athletes to participate in future years. Flag football will officially be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games program, led by efforts of the International Federations of American Football and supported by the NFL.
