Holy Family University’s Department of Athletics has made the addition of women’s flag football, making it the first Philadelphia institution to add women’s flag football as a varsity sport.

Holy Family University (HFU) will begin its inaugural season in the Atlantic East in Spring 2025.

Women’s collegiate flag football showcases seven players on a football field that is 40 yards in width by 80 yards in length. Each team moves offensively by running or passing a football, while the defense tries to “tackle” by pulling flags on the belt of the ball carrier.

About 500,000 girls aged 6-17 (a 63 percent increase since 2019) played flag football in 2023, according to the National Federation of State High School Associations. Locally, 16 high schools competed in the inaugural season of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Girls Flag Football League in 2022. That number has risen to 65 from teams from Pennsylvania and another 27 from South Jersey in 2024. Furthermore, the sport will make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028.

Dr. Anne Prisco, President of Holy Family University, stated, “Women’s flag football at HFU represents our commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for our students. This new sport not only enhances the diversity of our athletic programs but also strengthens our connection to the surrounding community. It fosters inclusivity and provides a platform for young women to excel both on and off the field. We are excited about the positive impact this will have on our students and the broader community.”

The Atlantic East partnered with the NFL and RCX Sports to become the first NCAA conference to offer varsity female flag football this past year. The league held its inaugural championship in April, spotlighting four league institutions in a one-day tournament that featured a welcome from Philadelphia Eagles mascot Swoop and team cheerleaders, as well as the pep band.

“We are excited to welcome Holy Family and continue to grow women’s flag football in the Atlantic East,” said Interim Commissioner Rebecca Mullen. “I am looking forward to starting regular season games and our second championship in the spring of 2025.”

The HFU Tigers will join Centenary, Immaculata, Marymount, Neumann, and Eastern University. Holy Family is immediately eligible for all women’s flag football conference recognition. All league schools will compete throughout the spring season with a full schedule to be determined. The top four teams will compete for the Atlantic East Conference Championship in April of 2025.

“I would like to thank Dr. Prisco and the Atlantic East for their efforts in helping bring women’s flag football to HFU,” said Athletic Director Tim Hamill. “Flag football is an emerging sport that will play an important role in the continued growth of women’s athletics, and I am proud our department will be a part of that progression.”

HFU Athletics is currently seeking a head coach. Interested candidates may apply for the position on Holy Family University’s website.

Learn more at Holy Family University, a private institution in the Catholic tradition with campus locations in Philadelphia and Newtown. Founded in 1954, the University is informed by its values-driven mission. Holy Family embraces diversity and inclusion, ensuring a welcoming and accessible learning community for all. The University comprises four schools: Arts & Sciences, Business & Technology, Education, and Nursing & Health Sciences.