Day: April 28, 2025

EVERETT, WA. April 28, 2025 — The YMCA of Snohomish County is celebrating a game-changing moment for girls across Washington state. The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) has officially sanctioned girls’ flag football as a high school varsity sport—the first addition to the state’s roster in over two decades.

For the YMCA, the decision affirms what they’ve been building for years.

“We’ve been laying the foundation—training, mentoring, and championing girls through our own girls-only flag football league,” said Chris Bellecourt, Association Youth Sports Director, YMCA of Snohomish County. “Now, we’re ready to grow.”

The Y’s girls flag football league has become a launchpad for young players of all ages and skill levels who want to take their game to the next level. With a dedicated Girls Flag Football Coordinator leading program growth, the Y is uniquely equipped to support and scale participation in response to the state’s new varsity designation.

“I joined the Y because I believe in investing where it matters—right here in our community. We’re not just running a league; we’re building something meaningful for these girls,” said Jacob Hiatt, Girls Flag Football Coordinator, YMCA of Snohomish County. “Our goal is to create the best experience possible, both on and off the field.”

Flag football has seen a 63 percent national increase in girls’ participation since 2019, making it one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the country. Washington joins 14 other states in formally recognizing the sport at the high school level, a shift fueled by advocacy from school districts and the support of the Seattle Seahawks.

With girls’ flag football officially kicking off in the 2025-26 school year, the Y is ready to help players hit the ground running. Registration opens on May 10 for the fall girls league, open to athletes in grades 1-12. To learn more about youth sports at the Y, please visit ymca-snoco.org/sports. Financial assistance is available.