EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The rapid rise of girls’ flag football in El Paso is continuing into 2026, as the Region 19 Female Flag Football Pilot and Championship kicks off its second season with increased participation and stronger community backing.

Following a successful debut in 2025, the program is expanding both in scale and significance. Organizers say the league is moving closer to full sanctioning. It mirrors a surge in interest in girls athletics across the country.

The season, which began April 13, will feature games at high school stadiums throughout El Paso. Teams will compete for the title of city champion, with the top program earning recognition as the best high school female flag football team in the region.

Region 19 Female Flag Football Pilot Season Game ScheduleDownload

Beyond the city title, the competition carries higher stakes this year. The top two teams, representing divisions affiliated with the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans, will advance to a state championship in June, where they will face top teams from across Texas.

The expansion comes at a pivotal moment for the sport nationwide. Female flag football is gaining traction at the collegiate level and is increasingly viewed as a candidate for NCAA Division I recognition.

Flag football is also set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. The International Olympic Committee approved the sport as part of a group of new additions, with both men’s and women’s competitions expected to feature fast-paced, five-on-five play on a global stage.

The City Championship tournament is scheduled for May 18-20 at the SAC I and II, serving as the final step before state-level competition.

With participation on the rise and a clearer pathway to statewide competition, organizers say the 2026 season represents another major step forward for one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.

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