The Benefits and Risks of Flag Football for Girls| Banner
Flag football has exploded in popularity — especially among girls and women. From girls’ youth leagues to all-girls high school and collegiate teams, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. With more schools and recreational leagues offering non-tackle football programs, you may wonder if flag football is a good choice for your daughter. […]
Flag football has exploded in popularity — especially among girls and women. From girls’ youth leagues to all-girls high school and collegiate teams, it’s one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S.
With more schools and recreational leagues offering non-tackle football programs, you may wonder if flag football is a good choice for your daughter.
We talked to Genevieve Lambert, MD, a sports medicine specialist with Banner – University Medicine, to learn more about the sport, its benefits and risks and how to support your child if she decides to play.
What is flag football?
Flag football is a non-contact version of traditional football. Instead of tackling, defensive players pull a flag from the ball carrier’s belt to stop the play.
“This key difference makes it a safer option than traditional football while still allowing for competition, strategy and teamwork,” Dr. Lambert said.
The game is typically played with five or nine players on a shorter, half-field, without heavy protective gear or padding. That said, players often wear mouthguards, cleats and optional soft headgear for added safety.
The benefits of flag football for girls
Sports like flag football offer much more than physical activity. They can build lifelong skills and support a girl’s mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Physical health benefits
Players run, pivot, throw and catch, providing a full-body workout.
“It can increase endurance, agility, coordination and other sport-specific skills,” Dr. Lambert said.
These movements help girls build:
Cardiovascular fitness
Muscle strength and tone
Balance and coordination
Healthy exercise habits
Being a part of a sport also helps reduce the risk of childhood obesity, type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions later in life.
Mental and emotional benefits
“Girls and women who play sports tend to have higher self-esteem and experience greater states of well-being than those who don’t,” Dr. Lambert said. “Improved mental health, leadership skills and discipline are some of the key benefits girls get from playing flag football.”
Other benefits include:
Teamwork and communication skills
Confidence through skill development
Stress relief and emotional regulation
Resilience and perseverance
Friendship and a sense of belonging
For girls navigating adolescence, sports like flag can be a safe space to express themselves, test their limits and excel.
Is flag football safe for girls?
Compared to tackle football, flag offers a lower risk of serious injury. The chance of traumatic injuries is lower than in tackle football. But that doesn’t mean flag football is injury-free.
“Like any sport, there is still a high risk of extremity, head and neck injuries, even without high-level contact,” Dr. Lambert said.
Dr. Lambert shared that the most common injuries she sees in female flag football players include:
Knee injuries, such as ACL tears
Ankle sprains
Contusions (bruises)
Concussions
Neck and facial injuries
Is your daughter ready to play?
So how do you know if your child is ready to try flag football? Dr. Lambert recommends considering her current activity level and interests.
“If they are highly active, like to play team sports and have basic skills like running, throwing and catching, this may be a good sport for them,” she said.
Every child develops at a different pace. What matters most is that your daughter feels excited, comfortable and physically able to participate. A pre-participation sports physical is a good way to check her readiness and screen for any health issues that might affect her safety.
How to keep your daughter safe
As a parent, there’s a lot you can do to support your daughter’s safety and well-being on the field. Dr. Lambert offered several important tips:
Use a mouthguard: This can protect against dental injuries.
Wear proper footwear: Supportive, sport-specific shoes like cleats help prevent ankle sprains.
Stay hydrated: Encourage regular water breaks, especially during warm weather.
Warm and stretch: A proper warm-up routine can help prevent injuries.
Look for trained coaches: Ask if coaches are certified and follow safe training practices for youth sports.
Watch for signs of overtraining
Like any sport, flag football can become too much if your child isn’t getting enough rest. Here are some red flags that your child may be overtraining:
Fatigue
Mood changes
Lack of motivation to play
Decreased performance
Changes in sleep
Recurrent injuries or slower recovery time
If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to take a step back and reassess her training schedule.
When to talk to a doctor
Most flag football injuries are mild and respond well to rest, ice and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief. But some symptoms may signal a more serious issue.
Contact your child’s provider if your daughter has:
Ongoing pain or swelling that doesn’t improve
Difficulty walking or using a limb
Headache, dizziness or confusion after a hit
Breathing problems during exercise
Multiple injuries in a short period
At Banner Health, our pediatric care teams and sports medicine specialists support athletes of all ages.
Final thoughts
Flag football can be a fun, healthy and empowering sport for girls. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. Consider your daughter’s interest level, physical abilities, health and social comfort.
Talk about how she feels during practices and games. Stay open and supportive as she explores what she enjoys.
Need a last-minute sports physical? Walk into Banner Urgent Care. We offer quick, convenient sports physicals — even on evenings and weekends. Find a nearby location and check wait times.
The New York Yankees’ Aaron Boone, center, celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the 11th inning to beat the Boston Red Sox in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, Oct. 16, 2003. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your […]
The New York Yankees’ Aaron Boone, center, celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the 11th inning to beat the Boston Red Sox in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, Oct. 16, 2003. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9
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There’s nothing quite like a Game 7.
It’s the pinnacle of pressure, the moment when everything is on the line. No more second chances. Every play matters. Every decision carries weight. Game 7 is when legends are born and legacies are cemented. And as spectators, we’re glued to the screen on a night when sports and cinema collide.
I’ve been fortunate to be alive for some amazing Game 7s. There seems to always be a defining moment in each of them, too.
• The 1997 World Series: The Edgar Renteria walk-off base hit. • The 2001 World Series: The Luis Gonzalez walk-off base hit. • The 2003 MLB American League Championship Series: The Aaron Boone walk-off home run. • The 2006 MLB National League Championship Series: The Adam Wainwright curveball to end it. • The 2016 NBA Finals: The LeBron chase-down block. • The 2017 2017 NHL Eastern Conference Finals: The Chris Kunitz overtime goal. • The 2019 NBA Finals: The Kawhi Leonard game-winner.
The list goes on.
But what about the Game 7 moments in our lives? That diagnosis. That job interview or loss. That conversation that could change everything. That step of obedience when the future feels uncertain. The defining moments of our faith.
Spiritually speaking, we all face Game 7 moments — seasons where the pressure is high, the outcome unclear and the stakes feel overwhelming. It’s in those moments we’re tempted to rely on our own strength, to panic, to freeze, or to run.
Yet God calls us to a different posture: strength and courage grounded in His presence.
When Joshua stood on the edge of the Promised Land, it was his Game 7. Moses was gone. The leadership mantle was his. Ahead of him lay enemies, uncertainty and the enormous responsibility of leading God’s people into a new chapter. But God didn’t give Joshua a battle plan first. He gave him a promise: “I will be with you wherever you go” (see verse above).
That’s the secret of a Game 7 faith. It’s not about how strong we are, but how present God is.
Athletes often say that pressure doesn’t create character, it reveals it. The same is true in our spiritual lives. When the pressure is on, what’s revealed? Fear or faith? Panic or prayer?
The good news is, even when we’re weak, Jesus is strong. Even when we fumble, He is faithful. And even when the scoreboard of life looks like we’re losing, we know the ultimate victory is already won because of the cross and the empty tomb.
So whether you’re in a Game 7 moment right now, or one is on the horizon, remember this: God is not pacing nervously on the sidelines. He’s with you. He’s in you. He’s fighting for you.
— Cole Claybourn
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Banana Ball brings a wild twist to youth baseball in the Crossroads | Sports
25 News Now Ray Robinson explains some of the rules about the Banana Ball Tournament COPYRIGHT 2025 BY CROSSROADS TODAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
VICTORIA, Texas — Baseball got a bold new twist this weekend at the Youth Sports Complex, as local teams […]
25 News Now Ray Robinson explains some of the rules about the Banana Ball Tournament
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY CROSSROADS TODAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
VICTORIA, Texas — Baseball got a bold new twist this weekend at the Youth Sports Complex, as local teams embraced the fast-paced, fan-favorite style of “Banana Ball.” The tournament, hosted by the National Championship Organization, brought out young athletes from across the Crossroads eager to compete in this fun and unconventional format.
Unlike traditional baseball, Banana Ball is designed to keep the action moving and the fans engaged. The rules? A strict two-hour time limit, scoring based on innings won (one point per inning), no walks or bunting, and yes — fans can catch foul balls for outs! In true Banana Ball fashion, batters can even steal first base on a wild pitch or passed ball.
The electric atmosphere and unique gameplay had everyone buzzing. And with fans getting directly involved in the action, it’s no surprise the tournament has been a major hit in the community.
Here’s a breakdown of this weekend’s champions by division:
8U Division:Buzz Lightning Baseball Academy (Victoria) narrowly defeated AKC in a thrilling 6–5 finish.
10U Division:Cuero Stars took home the title with a 5–3 win over the Cardinals.
11U Division:Hurricanes held off the Angleton Assassins for a 3–2 victory.
12U Division:Marucci Elite Texas shut out AKC with a dominant 6–0 performance in the championship.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY CROSSROADS TODAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
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First Look
Beloved Chattanooga Mocs mascot Scrappy is on the lookout for recruits to the nest for the 2025-26 athletic seasons. Once described by “Late Night” host Jimmy Fallon as “a sledgehammer wielding mockingbird with a heart of Blue & Gold”, Scrappy looks share his competitive passion for all things […]
Beloved Chattanooga Mocs mascot Scrappy is on the lookout for recruits to the nest for the 2025-26 athletic seasons. Once described by “Late Night” host Jimmy Fallon as “a sledgehammer wielding mockingbird with a heart of Blue & Gold”, Scrappy looks share his competitive passion for all things Mocs with the next generation of Scenic City sports enthusiasts.
Membership
$20 membership fee that remains valid through June 30, 2026. Open to kids from toddler to 8th grade.
Exclusive Benefits
Official t-shirt
Official membership card & lanyard
Access to one free ticket to select home football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball games
Free admission to all home regular season wrestling matches
Free admission to all home regular season softball games
Clear drawstring bag
Sticker
Color-in bookmark
Scrappy’s Kids Club Flag
Additional perks include monthly newsletters with updates on the Mocs, coloring pages, activities, seasonal content and more. Invitation to build a stuffed animal during our Make a Moc game (while supplies last). Invitations to other members-only events. Access to take part in special events and opportunities.
How to Join
Scrappy’s friends can register here on GoMocs.com. Previous Scrappy’s Kids Club members must re-register to receive the 2025-2026 Kids Club benefits.
GoMocs.com is the official website of the Chattanooga Mocs. Buy officially licensed gear in our online store. The Mocs can also be followed on their official Facebook page or on Twitter. Find out how to join the UTC Mocs Club and support more than 300 student-athletes by clicking here. NIL opportunities with Chattanooga Mocs student-athletes can be found here.
TUCSON, Ariz. — Amy Denet Deal began the Diné Garden Skate Project in 2021. The initiative using skateboarding to inspire young kids on the Navajo Nation. “A lot of our kids live in this remote area over 27,000 square miles,” Denet Deal said. “They suffer four times the normal rate of teen suicide, depression, diabetes […]
TUCSON, Ariz. — Amy Denet Deal began the Diné Garden Skate Project in 2021. The initiative using skateboarding to inspire young kids on the Navajo Nation.
“A lot of our kids live in this remote area over 27,000 square miles,” Denet Deal said. “They suffer four times the normal rate of teen suicide, depression, diabetes and it just made me realize the need. The need to give them access — equal access — to the sport.”
Over the past three years, Denet Deal has led the effort to build the only skate park on the Navajo Nation, while also giving out more than 7,000 helmets and skateboards.
“You get to hand the equipment and they look at you and they’re like, ‘can I keep it?’ And you get to say, ‘it’s just for you,'” Denet Deal said.
The non-profit also has mentorship programs that teach the kids how to skate.
“I don’t know any other sport that I’ve seen this reaction from children where they cannot wait to get on that skateboard,” Denet Deal said.
The project has secured 2,000 skateboards for this year and they’re now raising money for helmets.
“Bringing joy to these kids, there’s just nothing like it,” Denet Deal said. “To know it’s going to be there with them for the rest of their life and for them to know a Navajo woman, a Navajo agency and a Navajo distribution team, to know they have their own people taking care of them.”
Denet Deal and her team will have their first distribution event September 3rd in Window Rock, Arizona.
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Erin Patterson is a reporter for KGUN 9. She’s agraduate of the University of Alabama with a Bachelor’s in News Media with a Sports Concentration. Erin recently obtained her Master’s Degree in Sports Journalism from Arizona State University at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, where she gained experience a sports reporter, anchor and producer. Share your story ideas and important issues with Erin by emailing erin.patterson@kgun9.com.
Chris Brickley hosts annual youth basketball event in Manchester
Some young basketball players in New Hampshire had the chance to learn from NBA skills trainer Chris Brickley during the third annual Chris Brickley Day on Sunday.The event was held at Wolfe Park on Harvell Road in Manchester and included a free-throw contest for charity. Participants were split into groups, and winners from each group […]
Some young basketball players in New Hampshire had the chance to learn from NBA skills trainer Chris Brickley during the third annual Chris Brickley Day on Sunday.The event was held at Wolfe Park on Harvell Road in Manchester and included a free-throw contest for charity. Participants were split into groups, and winners from each group received a prize.>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<“My goal has always been to inspire the youth,” Brickley said. “When I was coming up playing basketball, there were certain people I looked up to, and if I were to be able to come to something like this, that would have made my day. So that’s my goal to do.”All proceeds from the event went to the Lids Foundation, which helps support people to live more active, healthy, and productive lives.Since 2019, the foundation has donated more than $6 million to communities across the country.>> Subscribe to WMUR’s YouTube channel <<
MANCHESTER, N.H. —
Some young basketball players in New Hampshire had the chance to learn from NBA skills trainer Chris Brickley during the third annual Chris Brickley Day on Sunday.
The event was held at Wolfe Park on Harvell Road in Manchester and included a free-throw contest for charity.
Participants were split into groups, and winners from each group received a prize.
>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<
“My goal has always been to inspire the youth,” Brickley said. “When I was coming up playing basketball, there were certain people I looked up to, and if I were to be able to come to something like this, that would have made my day. So that’s my goal to do.”
All proceeds from the event went to the Lids Foundation, which helps support people to live more active, healthy, and productive lives.
Since 2019, the foundation has donated more than $6 million to communities across the country.