Steelers Support Girls Flag Football in Western Pa.

The NFL team will partner with local districts to kickoff the first sanctioned girls flag football season.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers will help launch the WPIAL's first sanctioned girls flag football season on March 7, with the full league play running from March 13 through the postseason. The Steelers will honor players and coaches throughout the season, including awarding the Jerome Bettis Leadership Award and a new Girls Flag Coach of the Week program.

Why it matters

The start of the girls flag football season in Pennsylvania is a significant milestone, as the sport continues to grow regionally and nationally, with flag football set to make its Olympic debut in 2028. The Steelers' support helps establish the sport at the high school level and provides resources and recognition for the young athletes and their coaches.

The details

The Steelers will partner with District 7 (WPIAL) and District 8 (City League) for the girls flag football playoffs and championships. Throughout the season, the team will honor players and coaches, including the Jerome Bettis Leadership Award and a new Girls Flag Coach of the Week program. The Steelers will also provide equipment support to help new teams in District 10 get started, and will work to develop programs in West Virginia to grow the sport in that region.

  • The WPIAL's first sanctioned girls flag football season will kick off on March 7 with scrimmages.
  • The full league season will run from March 13 through the postseason.
  • The Steelers will host tryouts for the local team that will participate in the PSFCA Big 33 Tournament on May 23-24.

The players

Dan Rooney

Vice President of Strategy for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jerome Bettis

Former Steelers running back, for whom the leadership award is named.

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What they’re saying

“The start of the 2026 Girls Flag Football season the first as a state-sanctioned sport is a testament to the partnerships forged across Pennsylvania and the passion of the girls who play the game.”

— Dan Rooney, Vice President of Strategy (statenews.net)

What’s next

The Steelers will host tryouts for the local team that will participate in the PSFCA Big 33 Tournament, which is open to all high school senior players. The games will take place May 23-24 and feature teams representing the Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens.

The takeaway

The Steelers' support for girls flag football in Western Pennsylvania is a significant step in the growth and recognition of the sport at the high school level, as it continues to gain momentum nationally and internationally ahead of its Olympic debut in 2028.