Carolina Panthers Charities providing $49,000 in grant funding and additional resources to support the success of pilot program in South Carolina
The Carolina Panthers, in partnership with Clover School District, Fort Mill School District, Rock Hill Schools and York School District 1, will celebrate the launch of the York County Middle School Flag Football League on Thursday, March 13, with a high-energy kickoff event at Dutchman Creek Middle School. Fourteen middle school teams will begin league play as part of the pilot program’s inaugural season. Team play will conclude with a league championship on May 3.
The intramural/club-level program is designed to provide middle school girls with increased access, resources and opportunities to participate in the fast-growing sport of Girls Flag Football, which is a huge priority for both the Carolina Panthers and NFL. The Panthers have helped grow the sport in North Carolina to 120 competing high school teams since 2022 and, to date, have contributed nearly $500,000 directly to schools to support the growth and development of Girls High School Flag Football. The sport is currently sanctioned as a varsity sport in 14 states across the country and slated to make its Olympic debut in 2028 at the Los Angeles Summer Games.
“The Carolina Panthers are excited to partner with school districts in York County in the creation of this important pilot Girls Middle School Flag Football pilot program,” said Panthers Director of Community Relations Riley Fields. “The league will provide increased participation opportunities and access to the sport of flag football for York County girls. We are hopeful that this effort will serve as a catalyst for the continued growth of the sport in South Carolina.”
Event: York County Middle School Girls Flag Football Kickoff
Who: Fourteen (14) Girls Middle School Flag Football Teams
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Location: Dutchman Creek Middle School
4757 Mount Gallant Road
Rock Hill, SC 29732
Timeline: 4:45 pm Teams arrive
5:00 pm Tunnel run/ team introductions
5:15 pm Welcome remarks
- Dr. John Jones/ Rock Hill Schools Superintendent
- Riley Fields/ Carolina Panthers
5:25 pm Carolina Panthers Charities check presentation
5:30 pm Play begins
5:35 pm Media availability
Participating
Schools:
Banks Trail Middle School Oakridge Middle School
Castle Heights Middle School Pleasant Knoll Middle School
Clover Middle School Rawlinson Road Middle School
Dutchman Creek Middle School Saluda Trail Middle School
Forest Creek Middle School Springfield Middle School
Fort Mill Middle School Sullivan Middle School
Gold Hill Middle School York Middle School
