Saints Say Yes To Women's Sports, Launch Girls High School Flag Football Season

The inaugural games will be held at the Willow School of New Orleans on Tuesday at 4 p.m. CT.

Nov 5, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the New Orleans Saints helmet and ball / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

For generations, women's sports has fallen to wayside in both fandom and media coverage. However, recently both have seen a major uptick along with increases in viewership as well as cultivation and support for the immense talent that is showcased across several women's sports leagues. This week, the New Orleans Saints have a hand in launching the next generation of young athletes with the historic inaugural games of the Saints Girls High School Flag Football season.

Per a team press release, the Saints' efforts have partnered in this endeavor with several organizations including footwear company and apparel brand Nike:

"The Saints organization is proud to work with its partners, including the NFL, LHSAA, Louisiana High School Coaches Association (LHSCA), RCX, NCAA, GenYouth, and Nike. Nike's contribution of customized uniforms for all participating athletes underscores the commitment to providing a professional and inclusive experience for the players."

- New Orleans Saints Press Release

Donning their custom Nike jerseys, the athletes participating in the first season will be hailing from the following local schools:

• Academy of Our Lady High School
• Alfred Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School
• De La Salle High School
• East Jefferson High School
• Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans
• McDonogh 35 College Preparatory High School
• Sarah T. Reed Senior High School
• Sophie B. Wright High School
• The Willow School
• West Jefferson High School

This is an initiative that deserves a lot of attention and support in order to help keep it present and growing for years to come. The high school teams will kickoff their season Wednesday, April 3 at 4:30 p.m. at the Willow School of New Orleans on Brees Family Field located near Tulane University. The last of the first week's games will be played at West Jefferson High School on Thursday, April 4. The second slate of games is also set for 4:30 p.m. start.

Championship Gameday is scheduled for Saturday, May 4 at Joe Brown Park in New Orleans. The dreams of those taking the field each weekend won't be limited to the city of New Orleans, either. "As momentum continues to build," the press release said. "It's noteworthy that nine states currently recognize Girls Flag Football as a sanctioned high school sport, demonstrating widespread support for the sport's growth. Moreover, the anticipation mounts as Flag Football is set to debut in the 2028 Olympics, further solidifying its status as a globally recognized and celebrated sport."

"The Saints Girls High School Flag Football season represents more than just athletic competition; it symbolizes progress, inclusivity, and the power of teamwork. The Saints organization invites the media to join us in celebrating this historic moment and supporting the next generation of female athletes."

- New Orleans Saints Press Release