BREAKING: Over 150 girls gathered at the Pullman Community Center in Chicago this morning for an empowering flag football camp exclusively for young females. The Concrete Rose 773 nonprofit hosted this exciting event, aiming not only to teach the fundamentals of the game but also to foster mentorship and confidence among participants.
The camp, held on Saturday morning, is part of a growing movement to promote flag football among girls in the Chicagoland area and beyond, with some athletes traveling from as far as Wisconsin. “Flag football is one of the more growing sports,” said Darrin Cotton Jr., founder and executive director of Concrete Rose 773. “So definitely, some of these girls got real skills.”
Participants engaged in various drills, refining their skills in catching, tackling, and game strategy. The event is designed to cater to girls of all skill levels, ensuring that everyone feels included and supported. “I just think females can do anything,” remarked participant Anya Holt. “It’s a way to be stronger, it helps you stay in shape. It keeps you mentally there.”
Another participant, Molly O’Hara, expressed her excitement about the camp: “I love the station work we get to work on individual skills, defense, offense. I am meeting so many new people, and I think that is so important for growing in the game.”
Cotton emphasized the broader goals of the camp, stating, “We try to teach them about life skills in general, whether that’s teamwork, taking coaching, understanding coaching, and then the fundamentals that translate outside of the playing area.”
The camp is not just about sports; it’s about building confidence and inspiring young girls to consider collegiate athletics. “I did just recently get four offers to play at four different colleges, and that’s a big deal for me,” Holt added. “I can really play this at the next level.”
As flag football continues to gain traction as a competitive sport for girls, events like this camp are crucial for nurturing talent and encouraging young athletes to pursue their dreams. The success of this camp marks a significant step forward in empowering young women in sports, and it is likely to inspire similar initiatives in other cities.
Stay tuned for more updates on the growing movement of girls’ flag football and the impact it has on young athletes’ lives.
