Ravens, Under Armour Partner to Launch Girls’ Flag Football in Frederick County Public Schools
The Baltimore Ravens and Under Armor have partnered with Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) to provide grants and uniforms for the development of high school girls’ flag football programs in the fall of 2023. The announcement comes on National Girls and Women in Sport Day. (NGWSD), which is “a celebration that inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power”.
The Ravens have committed three years of grants to 10 Frederick County high schools, rewarding the county’s support of the initiative and for leading the way with its inaugural fall 2023 pilot program. FCPS member schools that join this program will play competitively in a fall schedule that mirrors other fall sports facilitated by CFPS.
Under Armour, an inventor, marketer and marketer of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear and accessories, will outfit custom uniforms for each team.
This women’s flag football initiative aims to pave the way for female student-athletes from every county in Maryland to eventually enjoy these same opportunities. Ultimately, the Ravens continue to pursue opportunities for high schools across the state to develop new, innovative athletic activities that benefit the physical, social, and emotional well-being of student-athletes.
Through this partnership, Frederick County Public Schools will pilot flag football as an interscholastic sport for girls, marking the 29th sport offered by FCPS. As a school system committed to improving female sport participation, CFPS looks forward to piloting this burgeoning sport in each of its high schools.
Women’s flag football has seen steady growth across the country in recent years. Highlighted by a partnership between the NFL and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, flag football has become an emerging offering for girls.
“We are proud to partner with Frederick County Public Schools and Under Armor to bring this initiative to high schools this fall,” said Ravens senior vice president of marketing Brad Downs. “The Ravens have always been passionate about supporting opportunities to play football, so this initiative to expand participation to high school female student-athletes is one we look forward to continuing across Maryland for years to come. “
“As a school system committed to providing exceptional education and equity in the classroom and on the field, I am very proud that FCPS is the first school system in the state to pilot flag football as a fall sport. girls’ interscholastic in 2023. -24 school year,” said Kevin Kendro, Athletics and Extracurricular Activities Supervisor, FCPS. “We are so grateful for the Ravens’ support and commitment, and hope to pave the way for a future attendance statewide.”
Additionally, all teams participating in the FCPS league will be included in Ravens RISE events and experiences.
About Frederick County Public Schools: FCPS serves nearly 50,000 students and more than 280,000 residents in 12 municipalities spread over 667 square miles. FCPS provides a diverse and inclusive learning environment, where excellence in college and career readiness is paramount. The commitment to our community is to provide exceptional education and equity to “every child, every day”.