SCRANTON, Pa. — Recently, high school girls flag football took an important step toward becoming an official PIAA-sponsored sport.
It's still in the early phases, but it excites players and parents of a flag football league in Scranton, that has seen growth in the number of girls playing.
"I think the PIAA always has their eye on the future and moving forward, saw this as a wonderful opportunity to experience growth for girls," said league commissioner Thomas Killino.
The NEPA Flag Football League has been active for more than a decade for girls and boys, ages 8 through 17. The NFL has done the legwork, laying out rules of the game. According to the PIAA's website, there are already 100 high schools which offer girls flag football.
The girls that play with NEPA Flag Football are excited for the idea of the sport they love to play expanding, with a chance of representing their school.
"My dad loves football so I told my mom and she put me in," said Carmen Sweeting of Scranton.
"It just makes me really happy. I like defense because I get to pull people's flags," said Shaterra Anderson of Scranton.
"My dad, uncle, brother, they've all played football so me playing flag football has got me into that and to play flag football in high school would mean so much," said Cailyn Manley of Scranton.
"I think it would be a huge opportunity for me and a lot of other girls who want to play but are afraid of playing," said Gabriella Spillar of Dunmore.
"A lot of girls usually do cheer or something and they're just watching the footballers play. I know a lot of people that want to play football and don't. It just make me feel bad because they think they can't play," said Erilyn Smith of Scranton.
Parents in this league say not only do these girls show their love of the game, they have the talent too.
"We have some girls that could definitely play tackle and hold their own. I think this just gives them a safe place to do it and I think co-ed they enjoy it because they get that little competition from the boys," said league vice president, Stacey Sibio.
The NEPA Flag Football League starts its season in August and welcomes players. You can find more information on the league's Facebook page here.
In Luzerne County, there's the Diamond City Youth flag football league which is currently in season in Wilkes-Barre.
If you're in the Poconos and want to learn the game, a girls flag football clinic coming up in August and you can find more information or to register here.