Atlanta girls soon will have a new sport to play -- flag football.
Atlanta Public Schools announced it will offer flag football to seventh and eighth grade girls next school year. The sport will be available to play at all 13 Atlanta middle schools.
District officials said APS received financial support from USA Football, ESPN and the Atlanta Falcons to start the sport and said the decision makes APS one of the largest districts in the United States to offer flag football as a sport for middle school girls.
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“The Falcons have long appreciated the fan support of girls across our region – now it’s our turn to root for them,” said Chris Millman, vice president of community relations for the Atlanta Falcons, in a written statement. “We’re happy to support Atlanta Public Schools as the district builds its middle school girls flag program. This continues an exciting trend of girls’ flag across the greater Atlanta area and we’re proud to ensure these programs have the budget assistance they need for the good of their student-athletes.”
This fall, Gwinnett schools started flag football teams for girls at its 20 high schools.
