COUPEVILLE, WA. August 6, 2026 – YMCA Camp Casey recently welcomed nearly 80 high school athletes for the state's first overnight girls flag football team camp, creating a unique opportunity for young athletes to grow their skills, build confidence, and connect with peers from across the region.

Representing Henry M. Jackson, Monroe, Everett, Cedarcrest, and Olympia high schools, athletes spent four days participating in position-specific football training, leadership workshops, team-building activities, and traditional camp experiences. Coaches also participated in dedicated sessions focused on supporting female athletes and growing girls flag football throughout Washington.

"Creating opportunities and experiences for female athletes and their coaches is very rewarding,” said Aria Ludtke, Associate Director of Marketing at YMCA of Snohomish County. "Teen girls are the most at-risk, so educating and supporting these athletes and their coaches is critical. Knowledge is power. There's a lot of things stacked against you, but it's important to know we are all in this together."

In addition to on-field instruction, campers heard from guest speakers who shared insights on leadership, recruiting, mental resilience, and positive coaching. Organizations including the Positive Coaching Alliance, Sports in Schools, the Seattle Seahawks, and other community partners helped provide resources, mentorship, and equipment.

For Tanishia Norman of the King County Play Equity Coalition, the camp demonstrated the importance of investing in girls’ sports.

"We've done lots of research and we're able to see that girls are dropping out of sports at a higher rate than boys," Norman said. "I hope that even if they don't go pro or continue playing in college, they feel so inspired and equipped that they want to be leaders off the field."

Beyond football, Camp Casey provided the backdrop for team hikes, karaoke, reflection, and shared experiences that helped transform competing teams into one supportive community.

"They're going out and they're competing hard against each other in the practices and games, but by the end of the camp, it was one big cohesive group," said Bailey Forsyth, Youth Sports Coordinator at Everett Family YMCA. "These girls are paving the way for a brand-new sport."

Following the success of the inaugural camp, the Y plans to expand the program in the future and is seeking additional coaches, volunteers, and financial support to ensure more girls can participate.

The Y is currently registering for girls flag football (grades K-12). To learn more, register, or get involved, visit www.ymca-snoco.org/sports or email Chris at cbellecourt@ymca-snoco.org.