The Mathews-Dickey location of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis is partnering with the Push Flag Football League, and an inaugural girls flag football season will begin on Saturday, Aug. 23.
Push Flag Football Commissioner and former NFL player Pierre Desir says girls flag football is a rapidly growing sport that provides players with an inclusive and affordable way to play football.
“It teaches sportsmanship, teamwork and promotes physical fitness,” Desir said. “In partnership with the Boys & Girls Club, we’re building something special.”
Desir played college football for the Lindenwood Lions and Washburn Ichabods before being selected by the Cleveland Browns in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft.
He also played for the San Diego Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The game is played in a 7-on-7 format, where players use flags instead of tackling. The sport’s growing popularity has led to broadcasts by ESPN and the NFL Network and support from national youth organizations. The sport is steadily expanding into high schools and colleges.
“We’re excited to partner with my former NFL colleague, Pierre Desir, to provide flag football at Mathews-Dickey. This is a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of a growing sport,” said Brandon Williams, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.
“Who knows, the next superstar could emerge from the Mathews-Dickey Club.”
Games will be played at Mathews-Dickey Field, 4245 North Kingshighway Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Girls ages 8 to 17 are invited to play.
To register, please visit https://www.bgcstl.org/