A grant of $47,500 from Carolina Panthers Charities will help Wake County Public Schools launch a pilot program to offer Women’s Flag Football in 19 high schools.
“This grant will give hundreds of female students a fun and unique opportunity to reap the many
benefits of participating in athletics,” says Deran Coe, WCPSS Director of Athletics. “Athletics
promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and physical fitness, all of which can lead to better
outcomes for students in high school and beyond. We are grateful to Carolina Panthers
Charities for their generosity, and we look forward to partnering with them to encourage
students to join the fun of flag football.”
In 2022, the Carolina Panthers partnered with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools to launch the
state’s first – ever girls high school flag football program. This fall, the Panthers helped launch
pilot programs with Cabarrus County Schools and Union County Public Schools.
“The Carolina Panthers are thrilled to partner with the Wake County Public School System in the
creation of this pilot Girls High School Flag Football League, which will provide increased
participation opportunities and access to the sport of football for high school girls in Wake
County,” said Panthers director of community relations Riley Fields. “Our hope is the success
of the Wake County program will be a catalyst for the continued growth and participation by high
schools across our region. We are excited for all the Wake County student-athletes who will
have the opportunity to compete for their schools and benefit from the program.”
Grant funding will cover game officials, coaching stipends, field prep, and other game-related
expenses.
The Panthers are also providing each participating high school with 25 sets of custom-made
Nike uniforms plus practice equipment.
Tryouts and practices will be held in January. The playing season in this pilot year will consist of
three Saturday tournament-style competitions.
