Nike has aligned with the NFL to announce a new $5 million girls flag football grant initiative. The multi-year initiative will provide a one-time product donation of up to $100,000 in product to state athletic associations that offer girls flag football as a high school sport or demonstrate progress by way of a pilot program beginning in 2021. The product will include uniforms, socks, and accessories such as sports bras.
According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, there are 1 million fewer female high school athletes participating in sports as opposed to their male counterparts. The findings highlight the number is due to football.
Flag football provides girls with another opportunity to play and compete in sport and can make a difference during a critical time of their athletic and life development. Flag football has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.
By offsetting the cost of starting and operating girls’ high school flag football programs, the funds will be distributed at the discretion of each state’s governing interscholastic or athletic association.
There are currently only six states with flag football programs at the high school level: Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, and New York. Nike hopes the grant will spark more states to adopt flag football programs for female athletes.
In Florida specifically, Nike will donate uniforms and sports bras to all current girls’ high school flag football teams.
The Nike girls flag football uniform features a grille neckline, chevron stripe, screen-printed sleeve stripes, and a nameplate on the back of the jersey. Woven materials allow for performance, stretch, and durability. Mesh panels on the back and underarms help vent out excess heat and moisture. The matching shorts allow for stretch to compliment a premium look, while a mesh vent is located on the side steam for breathability. The waistband is designed to fit with the jersey for “tuck in” Flag rules.
Nike will also launch the Stronger Than One Series will launch a film focused on highlighting women and young girls who are blazing paths forward in football. The film will feature women of the NFL, including Katie Sowers, former assistant offensive coordinator for the SF49ers; Emily Zaler, Broncos Strength and conditioning coach; Jennifer King, Washington Offensive Assistant; Cynthia Frelund, NFL Network Lead Analytic Analyst; and Colleen Wolfe, NFL Network Anchor.
This past summer Nike announced a a digital training platform designed for helping football athletes be better in their sport, Nike 11-online at 11OnFootball.com. During Super Bowl week, Nike will introduce a training track specifically for the flag football athlete hosted by Colleen Wolfe, NFL Network Anchor.
Expanding on the announcement, Nike has partnered with EA Sports on an in-game offering, giving Madden ’21 players an opportunity to unlock an in-game uniform featuring all the details players and coaches will wear on game day.
