'This sport is my everything': With rise in popularity, girls from six local high schools participate in flag football jamboree

Girls’ flag football continues to grow rapidly in Massachusetts as teams from six Central Massachusetts high schools gathered for a spring jamboree at Ayer-Shirley Regional High School. Now in its third season, the sport has expanded from just eight teams to 56 statewide through the Patriots Girls Flag Football League, supported by the New England Patriots. The event highlighted the increasing opportunities for female athletes, including Jaliany Santiago, who recently committed to play college flag football at Lindsey Wilson College. Coaches and players praised the sport’s rapid growth, scholarship opportunities, and inclusive environment. Organizers also noted excitement surrounding flag football’s debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, which is helping fuel momentum nationwide.