Ravens and Under Armour Expand Girls Flag Football in Maryland, Adding Calvert and More Counties to Growing Statewide Initiative
The Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour have taken another major step forward in advancing equity and opportunity in youth sports with the expansion of their highly successful girls flag football initiative in Maryland. This year, the program is officially adding Calvert County and several others to the fold, further solidifying flag football as a legitimate and fast-growing sport for young women across the state. What began as a visionary effort just a few short years ago is now a movement that’s reshaping the future of athletics in Maryland and beyond.
Originally launched in 2022, the girls flag football initiative was a collaborative effort between the Ravens, Under Armour, and local school districts to give high school girls an opportunity to compete in an organized flag football league. The program was sparked by a national uptick in interest in girls flag football, as well as the broader push to create more inclusive opportunities in traditionally male-dominated sports. At the time, only a few counties participated, but the response was overwhelmingly positive. Teams were formed, games were played under Friday night lights, and an undeniable energy surrounded the sport.
The program’s expansion to include Calvert County, along with several other districts such as Harford, Frederick, and Washington counties, marks a significant moment in the movement’s growth. The Ravens and Under Armour have made clear that this is not a one-off public relations project, but rather a long-term investment in the future of girls’ sports. The goal is ambitious but clear: to make girls flag football a sanctioned high school sport across the entire state of Maryland—and eventually help push for national recognition at the high school and collegiate levels.
The impact of the initiative has already been profound. Dozens of schools across participating counties have formed teams. Hundreds of girls, many of whom had never played organized football before, are now suiting up with pride, competing with passion, and developing not just athletic skills but confidence and leadership. Coaches, parents, and administrators have lauded the program for creating a welcoming environment and promoting health, competition, and teamwork in a sport that had long excluded young women.
The involvement of the Ravens has added legitimacy and visibility that few grassroots initiatives can match. The team has provided jerseys, equipment, coaching clinics, and even hosted showcase events at their Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills. Players from the Ravens, both past and present, have made appearances at games and practices, offering encouragement and inspiration. The team’s mascot, cheerleaders, and marketing efforts have helped to elevate the sport’s profile while reinforcing the message that football belongs to everyone, regardless of gender.
Under Armour’s role in the initiative has been equally vital. As a Baltimore-based brand with deep roots in the local community, Under Armour has leveraged its resources and reach to make sure the program is both well-equipped and well-promoted. Beyond uniforms and gear, Under Armour has supported events, sponsored awards and recognition programs, and collaborated with school districts to ensure long-term sustainability. Their backing is a powerful statement that girls flag football is not a fad, but a permanent and growing part of the athletic landscape.
Adding Calvert County to the program is particularly meaningful given the county’s strong athletic tradition and passionate local support for school sports. School administrators have expressed excitement about the opportunity, noting that many students had been asking for a girls football option for years. With the infrastructure now in place and the backing of both a professional sports franchise and a global apparel company, Calvert is well-positioned to become one of the initiative’s most successful new chapters.
The enthusiasm is also palpable among students. In early summer surveys conducted at Calvert high schools, interest in flag football ranked among the top three most requested new sports for girls. Many students cited a desire to break stereotypes, challenge themselves, and be part of something groundbreaking. Some were athletes in other sports looking for a new competitive outlet, while others were simply excited by the idea of playing football with their peers under the lights.
For coaches, the program represents more than just a new sport to oversee. It’s an opportunity to empower a new generation of athletes and help them build skills that go far beyond the field. Coaches from existing flag football programs in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties have shared stories of players discovering new confidence, improving academically, and even earning leadership roles at school as a result of their involvement in the sport. The growth in Calvert and other counties is expected to bring the same outcomes.
The long-term vision includes potential scholarships, more tournament play, and even formal recognition by the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA), which governs high school sports in the state. While flag football is not yet a sanctioned sport in Maryland, the tide is clearly turning. Several other states—including Florida, California, and Georgia—have already made girls flag football an official high school sport, and the momentum is building nationally. The NFL, in partnership with Nike, has also launched initiatives to promote girls flag football across the country, signaling that this is a sport with staying power.
The Ravens are looking to lead the way in the Mid-Atlantic region. Team president Sashi Brown has been outspoken about the importance of the initiative, stating in a recent press release, “This is about equity, access, and opportunity. Girls deserve the chance to play this game, and we’re committed to doing our part to make that happen.” That commitment has translated into increased funding, expanded outreach, and continued partnerships with school systems across Maryland.
For players like Jasmine Torres, a senior from Montgomery County who played in the inaugural season, the impact has been life-changing. “I never thought I’d get the chance to play football. Now, I can’t imagine my life without it,” she said. “It’s given me confidence, friendships, and the belief that I can do anything.” Stories like hers are becoming more common, and they are at the heart of what the Ravens and Under Armour are trying to build.
The expanded initiative will also include more competitive opportunities. Plans are underway for regional tournaments, a state championship game, and even an all-star showcase featuring the top talent from participating counties. These events will serve not only as celebrations of the sport but also as scouting opportunities for colleges that are beginning to add women’s flag football as a varsity sport. The NAIA and NJCAA have already sanctioned it, and more institutions are expected to follow.
The economic impact of the program should not be overlooked either. With more games, teams, and events, local businesses—from sporting goods stores to restaurants—stand to benefit. Flag football tournaments bring families, fans, and media attention, all of which contribute to the local economy. More importantly, the investment in youth sports helps build healthier, more engaged communities. It’s about more than touchdowns and wins; it’s about belonging, discipline, and opportunity.
With Calvert County now officially part of the initiative, preparations are underway for the fall season. Tryouts, clinics, and team announcements will begin in August, with the first games scheduled for late September. Interest is already exceeding expectations, and school officials anticipate multiple teams competing across the county. Local coaches are being trained, schedules are being developed, and community support is growing by the day.
The initiative’s success is due in no small part to the collaborative model that underpins it. The Ravens and Under Armour are not simply handing down a program—they are working with school systems, athletic directors, and community leaders to co-create something sustainable. That approach ensures local ownership and long-term viability. It’s a partnership built on shared values: empowerment, inclusion, and excellence.
As the 2025 season approaches, the girls flag football initiative in Maryland stands as one of the most exciting developments in the state’s sports scene. With new counties joining, more players suiting up, and broader public awareness, the sport is poised for explosive growth. The Ravens and Under Armour have made a bold bet on the future of girls football—and it’s paying off.
In the years to come, it’s easy to envision Maryland as a national leader in girls flag football. The groundwork has been laid. The momentum is real. And with programs like this, the message is clear: girls belong on the football field, and their time is now.
