The Alabama Community College Conference is adding a new sport to its list of athletic offerings.
According to the ACCC, women’s flag football, one of the newest sports sanctioned by the National Junior College Athletic Association, will be offered to female students beginning in the 2025-2026 academic school year.
Once competition begins, the ACCC will feature the largest flag football conference in the NJCAA.
“This is up there with one of the most exciting program additions we’ve had over the past decade. It’s a good day when we create more opportunities for our female student-athletes,” said ACCC Commissioner Dean Myrick. “Flag football has exploded across the state at the high school level, and we want to capitalize on that. It’s a discussion we’ve had for a few years, and I’m proud it’s come to fruition.”
Officials from NFL Flag, Alabama Recreation and Parks Association, and the Alabama Association of Resource, Conservation, and Development program were also on hand for the official announcement at the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery.
“Women’s flag football is the fastest growing sport in the United States and arguably ever. It is skyrocketing,” said Izell Reese, the executive director of NFL Flag and former NFL player. “At one time, females didn’t have a path to continue to play flag football beyond high school. It’s phenomenal to now hear of the opportunities that are going to come at the community college level.
“I can tell you the four-year colleges are thrilled about the opportunity you’ll provide.”
Northwest Shoals President Dr. Jeff Goodwin said he is excited about bringing the sport to his school.
“It’s certainly something we have been looking forward to at the community college level, and we’re committed to it,” Goodwin said. “Alabama Community College System Chancellor Jimmy Baker and the Board of Trustees do their best to support and provide the best opportunities for our students, including with extracurricular activities.”
RC&D, an ACCS partner, is donating $50,000 to assist with the flag football launch.
“This initiative promotes inclusion, empowers women in sports and creates new opportunities for community college student-athletes,” said Executive Director Katie Conner. “We are so proud we can be a part of this – something new and exciting for our state.”
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
