Overview:
American football, often seen as a male-dominated sport, has long raised questions about whether girls can play. Contrary to common misconceptions, there are no rules preventing girls from participating in American football. In fact, history reveals a rich tapestry of female involvement in the sport, challenging stereotypes and reshaping the landscape of football. Beyond players, women are breaking ground as coaches in the National Football League (NFL), marking a significant step toward gender inclusivity.
Can Girls Play Football?
The answer is unequivocally yes—any girl can play football. While it's less common for girls to take the field, it's not due to restrictive rules but rather the physical demands of the sport. Nevertheless, countless girls have excelled in American football at the high school and youth levels, and female-only leagues like the United States Women's Football League (USWFL) provide dedicated platforms for women to showcase their skills.
History of Women in American Football:
For decades, women were largely absent from American football fields, limited to being spectators. The aggressive nature of the sport and traditional expectations of physical size and strength served as barriers to entry for most women. However, the early 2000s marked a significant turning point with the founding of women's football leagues.
In 2000, the Independent Women's Football League (IWFL) emerged, growing to 51 teams before concluding its last season in 2018. The United States Women's Football League (USWFL) and the Women's Football Alliance (WFA) were founded in 2009, sparking a surge in women's football popularity across the nation.
Female Kickers:
In male-dominated leagues, female players often find a place as kickers on the special teams unit. The placekicker role, which emphasizes precision over size, is well-suited for many female athletes, especially those with a background in soccer. Women's football leagues, however, showcase female players excelling in various positions beyond just kicking.
Female Football Scholarships:
While athletic scholarships for women in football have historically been rare, a landmark moment occurred in 2018 when Rebecca "Becca" Longo received a partial scholarship for football at Adams State University in Colorado.
As a talented kicker, Longo's achievement set a precedent for future female athletes in the sport. Rebecca Longo's historic scholarship paved the way for increased opportunities for women in American football. While rare, more female athletes are pursuing football scholarships, contributing to the sport's growth. The IFAF World Championship, with its global representation, emphasizes the increasing international recognition and competitiveness of women's tackle football.
United States Women's Football League (USWFL) and Women's Football Alliance (WFA):
The USWFL, established in 2011, serves as a minor league for women's full-tackle football, with six teams spread across the eastern and midwestern U.S. The WFA, founded in 2009, stands as the largest women's gridiron football league globally, featuring 64 teams at three competition levels: Pro, Division 2, and Division 3.
IFAF World Championship of American Football:
On the international stage, the IFAF World Championship of American Football is the pinnacle for women's tackle football. Staged every four years and regulated by the International Federation of American Football, the most recent competition in 2022 featured teams from 10 countries, with the USA Football sponsoring the US Women's National Team.
The Big Picture:
The narrative surrounding girls playing American football is one of progress, inclusivity, and breaking down gender-based barriers. With established women's football leagues, scholarship opportunities, and international competitions, the future holds promise for increased female participation, recognition, and success in American football. As we celebrate the achievements of female players, both on and off the field, it becomes evident that the realm of American football is expanding to embrace talent and passion, regardless of gender.