The Women's Gridiron Foundation offers mentorship and multi-level support to both existing and start-up girls football organizations.
We run football skills clinics, provide a multitude of resources, offer speaking engagements, and connect people who aim to both increase the opportunities for girls and women to learn and play football as well as close the gender gap in the sport.
We educate and empower young women around the world to a place of greater self-worth and confidence while simultaneously increasing awareness of, and participation in, the women's game on a global scale.
We believe that sport - specifically football - is an ideal vehicle through which essential, meaningful life skills can be learned.
When a safe, supportive space is created in which females of all ages can learn this incredible game, they will not only show up, but be empowHERed for having done so!!
March 12, 2025 - By D Sparling
We’re thrilled to share the inspiring story of Sofia & Luca Vila-Jones & their village of football-loving friends who, because of their collective & unwavering persistence, convinced the administration at their high school to add girls flag football.
The twin sisters are now seniors at Mater Brickell Academy, a new charter school in Miami. They transferred here for their sophomore year - the same year the school opened - in 2022.
Having tried various sports throughout their lives, it is football that finally captured them. (But of course!)
That said, they wasted NO time heading for the admin office that 1st day to inquire about adding a girls flag football team at the school.
The administration’s answer: A resounding ‘no,’ but the girls just kept asking.👊
Throughout their sophomore & junior year, the girls were “squeaky wheels.” They also sought out other girls who wanted to play & despite the ‘no’s’ from administration, the number of girls who also wanted to play continued to grow in number. So did their voices. 📢
Fast forward to September 2024 - their senior year - when they resumed the familiar march to the administration office to ask again….
THIS time, the response was different - if they could garner enough girls to commit to playing in the Spring of 2025, the academy would agree to add the sport. Done Deal.
Upon the appointment of a coach and three student managers, the team went sprinting off to its first practices. 🎉🎉🎉
The team’s inaugural 10-game season kicked off on Monday, March 3rd, 2025.
Sofia (#7) is excelling at the QB position while Luca (#2) is proving to be a defensive menace to offenses. The team continues to learn, work hard (& smart) & develop their synergy.
The spark that began with Sofia & Luca’s passion for this incredible game, transformed into a galvanized, unstoppable movement of Mighty Football-Loving Girls in yet another corner of the world.
The takeaway here?
Never give up on anything for which you are passionate. Seek out & gather those who share your passion. Stick together until your goal manifests!!
GO BULLS!!!🏈
Special shout out to Principal Douglas Rodriguez for his support of the girls!! 👏
Photos by Veronica V.
"The NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics made a recommendation that Divisions I, II and III sponsor legislation to add flag football to the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program."
This is an announcement for which so many have been waiting from the NCAA.
Bravo to all who have advocated to help girls flag take this next, HUGE step. It has take the tireless efforts of an entire village of people of all ages. Bravo!!
We are getting closer and closer to creating a seamless pathway for girls to play the sport at all levels.
#LA2028
-- D. Sparling
Hard Work - It's Worth it! PSA
TAASA - Break The Box
Diversity is Our Strength PSA
H.K. Poet - Let Her Play PSA
It's More Than a Game
"TACKLE THE WORLD - Tough Game, Tougher Women" is a documentary look at the second-ever Women's tackle football World Championships held in Vantaa, Finland in 2013.
Women from six countries competed in a world tournament that crowned a record-setting champion. It also marked another shift in the evolution of female team sports. The challenges and barriers these women have had to overcome to participate at the highest level of their sport will inspire and move you to action.
Rent or Buy on VIMEO: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/tackletheworld
Tackle the World TRAILER
