Girls’ Flag Football Scores Big in Snohomish County as YMCA Leads Growth Across the Region

Girls’ flag football is taking center stage in Snohomish County following a historic decision by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) to officially sanction the sport as a high school varsity offering beginning in the 2025–26 school year. The announcement marks the first addition to the state’s varsity roster in over 20 years. It validates years of groundwork laid by the YMCA of Snohomish County through its dedicated girls-only flag football league.

For local athletes, families, and community leaders, the WIAA’s decision is more than a policy change. It’s a cultural shift toward greater inclusion and opportunity for girls in youth sports. The YMCA of Snohomish County is now preparing to meet the anticipated rise in participation with expanded programming, staff support, and special events aimed at keeping girls on the field and in the game.

YMCA of Snohomish County Leads the Charge in Youth Flag Football Development

Chris Bellecourt, Association Youth Sports Director at the YMCA of Snohomish County, has seen firsthand how the sport has grown at the local level. “We’ve been laying the foundation by training, mentoring, and championing girls through our own girls-only flag football league,” Bellecourt said. “Now, we’re ready to grow.”

The YMCA’s girls’ flag football program is already serving a wide range of athletes, offering an inclusive space for girls of all skill levels to learn, play, and thrive. With the recent WIAA decision, the program is expected to expand significantly in cities throughout Snohomish County, including Everett, Marysville, and Monroe. Registration for the fall league, open to girls in grades 1 through 12, began on May 10, providing a timely and structured pathway for players looking to prepare for future varsity competition.

The YMCA has also appointed a dedicated Girls Flag Football Coordinator to manage growth and ensure that participants receive the highest quality experience both on and off the field. “Our goal is to create the best experience possible,” said Jacob Hiatt, the newly appointed coordinator. “We’re not just running a league; we’re building something meaningful for these girls.”

Statewide Recognition Reflects National Momentum and Local Advocacy

The decision by the WIAA places Washington alongside 14 other states that have already sanctioned girls’ flag football at the high school level. Nationally, the sport has seen a 63 percent increase in girls’ participation since 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the country. The movement has gained additional support through partnerships with school districts and the advocacy of professional organizations like the Seattle Seahawks, whose influence helped move the needle on statewide recognition.

But while the headlines are grabbing national attention, the real momentum is happening at the community level. In Snohomish County, the YMCA is ensuring that every girl, from beginner to seasoned athlete, has access to play, compete, and grow. Bellecourt emphasized that this local investment is central to the Y’s mission. “This is more than a sport,” he said. “It’s a platform for leadership, teamwork, and confidence.”

Camp Casey Flag Football Tournament Brings Athletes Together Before the Fall Season

To kick off the excitement leading into the sanctioned school year, the YMCA of Snohomish County hosted the inaugural “Clash at Camp Casey” Flag Football Tournament on August 2. The event took place at the scenic YMCA Camp Casey Sports Fields in Coupeville on Whidbey Island. Designed to serve as a bridge between summer fun and the upcoming fall season, the tournament was open to boys and girls of all ages and skill levels.

“This is more than a tournament. It’s a celebration of youth sports and community,” said Bellecourt. The one-day event featured team competitions, family-friendly activities, and a festival atmosphere complete with food trucks and music along the shores of the Skagit Sea.

Hiatt views the tournament as a continuation of the YMCA’s larger mission. “We’re not just running a tournament. We’re investing in young athletes,” he said. “Every entry supports scholarships so more kids can experience the power of sports and belonging.”

The Clash at Camp Casey also provided a unique preseason warm-up for athletes preparing for youth tackle leagues, volleyball, basketball, and now varsity flag football. By bringing together current and past YMCA teams, along with groups from other organizations, the event served as both a celebration and a training ground for future athletes across the region.

A Future Built on Teamwork, Access, and Local Leadership

The YMCA of Snohomish County is not new to building programs that create lasting impact. From Everett to Edmonds and beyond, the organization has become a regional leader in youth sports development, offering accessible programming that prioritizes community building and personal growth. As flag football continues its rapid ascent, the Y is leveraging its existing infrastructure and passionate staff to make sure the sport remains inclusive, affordable, and deeply rooted in local neighborhoods.

Families interested in joining the fall girls’ flag football league can register here. For questions about programming, contact Chris Bellecourt at cbellecourt@ymca-snoco.org or Jacob Hiatt at jhiatt@ymca-snoco.org.