CIAA Expands Football Reach with Launch of Women’s Flag Football in 2025

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is breaking new ground by expanding its football reach to include women’s flag football at seven member institutions starting in 2025. This groundbreaking initiative will provide female student-athletes with the opportunity to compete in a new and exciting sport within the historic conference.

CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker expressed her excitement for the growth of the conference, stating, “We’re incredibly excited for the continued growth of the CIAA as we add women’s flag football to the many sports that our historic conference offers to our student-athletes.” She also highlighted the importance of giving young women the opportunity to be at the forefront of this expansion and providing them with a phenomenal competitive opportunity.

Women’s flag football will feature an average roster size of 25 players, with games played in a 7-on-7 format on an 80×40-yard field. The NFL has played a significant role in supporting the growth of flag football, with over 700,000 youth participating in NFL FLAG leagues last year, nearly half of whom were female.

The RCX Sports Foundation has also awarded a grant to the CIAA to help launch women’s flag football in spring 2025. RCX Sports CEO Izell Reese stated, “This grant ensures that CIAA female student athletes have the opportunity to excel in a growing sport, fostering an inclusive environment where all athletes can thrive.”

With the support of the NFL and organizations like RCX Sports, women’s flag football is set to make a significant impact within the CIAA and provide female student-athletes with a new platform to showcase their skills and athleticism.