History teacher Jason Caballero is gearing up to start the first season of girls flag football. Many girls have expressed their interest and excitement in joining the team. Caballero is excited to start a program here that is inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
Flag football has become one of the fastest growing sports right now, with over 474,000 players ages 6-17. With this tremendous growth, flag football was approved in Oct. 2023 by the International Olympic Committee as an official Olympic sport. This is one of the reasons Caballero wanted to bring this sport to Stillwater.
“I’ve seen flag football growing in different numbers in different ways across the country and around the world. I mean, it’s even in the 2028 Olympics. So that’s such an incredible thing to see. And so I think when the opportunity presented itself to be a part of something, to start something here for the local community, it was a no brainer for me. I wanted to try to find a way to give back to young athletes who maybe play a sport, or maybe don’t play a sport, but wanted to find something that they belong in, in a sport that’s growing in many different ways,” Caballero said.
Since it is such a fast-growing sport, many students wanted to start playing flag football. Some joined because it was something new to try, while others had always wanted to play. Students shared their reasons for deciding to join the team.
“My family always been involved with football, and I felt that would be kind of exciting for me to do, because I understand it, and I think it could be fun,” Vonbhren said. Wimberger also expressed why she wanted join, “I can just have more time with my friends and be outside.”
Being part of a team can feel like a second family to people and teach them many great lessons. Caballero talked about all the goals he has for the girls on his team to learn from playing flag football.
“Honestly, our goal is to have fun. I want this to be an experience that brings good opportunities, something that’s inclusive and welcoming. I’m big on culture. I think that a good program is built on culture, and people want to be really happy and where they feel respected and welcomed, and those who want to compete to another level too,” Caballero said.
A lot of girls are so excited to finally make flag football happen and see what this new program grows into over the years. Also, flag football creates another opportunity for girls to play sports.
Vohbhren mentioned that including girls in football could be an exciting opportunity for schools, especially since football plays such a major role in high school culture , adding that it could also be fun for girls.
Already, 42 girls have signed up to join the team in April. This was way more than Caballero was anticipating. But he is is so excited to get the season rolling. Although the season is only about a month long, it will be filled with memories and great opportunities for everyone. Students can not wait to see how this program impacts the school.
