WALDORF, Md. — Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) will introduce a girls flag football league for the 2025-2026 school year, expanding high school athletics with support from the National Football League’s Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour. Open to female students in grades 9-12, the varsity-level program will feature teams from each CCPS high school competing in the Southern Maryland Athletic Conference (SMAC) alongside Calvert County Public Schools.
The initiative, backed by a $5,000 grant per high school from the Baltimore Ravens Limited Partnership, aims to provide female students with opportunities to play football, engage in organized sports, and foster the growth of girls flag football in Charles County. The Ravens also supplied footballs and flag belts, while Under Armour provided 30 uniforms per school, including home and away jerseys and matching shorts. These resources are designated for the inaugural season.
Each CCPS high school will field a girls flag football team, with students required to meet CCPS eligibility standards to participate. The season will consist of 10 games, culminating in a championship game. A postseason playoff format will include all Maryland counties with girls flag football programs.
To prepare, CCPS is hosting two skill sessions in June for interested students, who must register in advance and have parents complete a required waiver. Participants should arrive by 4:30 p.m. dressed for outdoor practice and may attend both sessions. The first session is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Maurice J. McDonough High School, located at 7165 Marshall Corner Road, Pomfret, MD 20675. The second is set for Thursday, June 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., at North Point High School, located at 2500 Davis Road, Waldorf, MD 20603. Registration forms and waivers are available online at McDonough Registration, McDonough Waiver, North Point Registration, and North Point Waiver.
The partnership with the Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour reflects a commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for female students. “This program gives girls a chance to experience football in a competitive, supportive environment,” said a CCPS spokesperson. The league aims to build skills, teamwork, and confidence while establishing a foundation for future growth in girls flag football across the region.
SMAC, which governs high school athletics in southern Maryland, will oversee the league’s operations, ensuring standardized rules and competition. The inclusion of Calvert County teams broadens the competitive landscape, offering students a chance to face regional opponents. The postseason playoffs will further elevate the program by connecting Charles County teams with other Maryland counties, potentially increasing visibility for girls flag football statewide.
The $5,000 grants will cover initial costs such as equipment, coaching, and field maintenance, but funding is limited to the 2025-2026 season. CCPS plans to explore additional funding sources to sustain the program in future years. The uniforms, designed by Under Armour, ensure players have professional-grade attire, enhancing the experience and fostering team pride.
The skill sessions in June will introduce students to flag football fundamentals, including rules, techniques, and strategies, under the guidance of CCPS coaches. These sessions are critical for gauging interest and identifying potential players before formal tryouts. By offering two sessions at different schools, CCPS aims to maximize accessibility for students across the county.
This initiative marks a significant step for CCPS in promoting gender equity in athletics. The district’s collaboration with prominent organizations like the Ravens and Under Armour underscores the program’s potential to inspire female athletes and create a lasting impact in Charles County.
