Minnesota Vikings Bring Girls' Flag Football to North Dakota

Pilot program launches in Fargo, with plans to expand across the region

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Minnesota Vikings are partnering with the Fargo Park District to launch a high school girls' flag football program in North Dakota. The pilot program will be open to girls in grades 9-12 from Fargo, West Fargo, Moorhead, and surrounding communities, with plans to potentially expand the sport across Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota in the future.

Why it matters

Girls' flag football has seen rapid growth at the high school and collegiate levels across the U.S., with more than 25,000 new participants in the past three years. This program aims to bring the sport to North Dakota, empowering young women through athletics and laying the groundwork for future expansion in the region.

The details

The North Dakota program will feature an 8-week spring season with weekly practices, 6 regular season games, playoffs, and a state championship tournament. Teams will consist of a minimum of 10 players, with the capacity for up to 8 teams. The season is expected to begin the week of April 13th, 2026.

  • The program will launch in the spring of 2026.
  • The season is expected to begin the week of April 13th, 2026.

The players

Minnesota Vikings

The professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, who are partnering with the Fargo Park District to bring this girls' flag football program to North Dakota.

Fargo Park District

The local parks and recreation department in Fargo, North Dakota, who are collaborating with the Minnesota Vikings to host this pilot program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

If the pilot program in Fargo is successful, the Minnesota Vikings and Fargo Park District plan to expand the girls' flag football initiative to other communities across the region in the coming years.

The takeaway

The launch of this girls' flag football program in North Dakota represents a growing trend of expanding athletic opportunities for young women, empowering them through sports and laying the groundwork for potential future growth of the sport across the Midwest.