NEW YORK, NY. – The Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA) has approved the first girls Flag Football tournaments as part of the 67th Big 33 Football Classic. High school-age girls Flag teams representing the Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders will compete in the first-ever girls Flag Football Big 33 Championship. Each of the four NFL clubs will nominate one team consisting of 20 high school female players and multiple high school coaches to represent their NFL markets. All the girls Flag Football games throughout the weekend are free and open to the public.
“The Big 33 Football Classic has a rich history that impacts many NFL players and Legends,” said Bobby Taylor, NFL legend and global flag ambassador. “Having the PSFCA approve girls flag football to play in the Classic for the first time is a major milestone for the sport. The club level participants from the Pennsylvania and Maryland regions demonstrate how important the growth of the sport is to the NFL. We are extremely excited.”
The inaugural PSFCA Big 33 Girls Flag Football Tournament will begin play on Saturday, May 25, at Cumberland Valley High School’s Eagle View Middle School in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. All teams will compete in a two-day round robin tournament, with the championship game taking place on Sunday, May 26, prior to the 67th Big 33 Football Classic game.
“The PSFCA Big 33 is very excited to partner with the NFL to bring you the first Big 33 High School Girls Flag Football Tournament,” said Garry Cathell, executive director of the Big 33. “The tournament is the beginning of what will be the catalyst for the states of Pennsylvania and Maryland to have girls Flag as a sanctioned sport. I would like to thank all the representatives from the NFL and the clubs for making this event happen.”
The PSFCA Big 33 Memorial Day Weekend events are slated to start on Wednesday, May 22, and conclude on Sunday, May 26, with the 67th Big 33 Football Classic presented by Renewal by Andersen of Central PA. The Big 33 Football Classic is known as one of “the best All-Star games in the country.” Pennsylvania and Maryland players and cheerleaders will practice in Cumberland County at Cumberland Valley High School’s Chapman Field. These games will feature seniors from Pennsylvania and Maryland, as well as all-star cheerleaders.
Some well-known Big 33 alumni and NFL Legends include Pro Football Hall of Famers Tony Dorsett, Jim Kelly, Dan Marino, Joe Montana and Joe Namath, as well as Kyle Brady, Damar Hamlin, Jordan Hill, Ben Roethlisberger and Ricky Watters.
The Big 33 also has a special “Buddy Program” that is designed to partner youths with special needs with a Big 33 cheerleader or football player. Cheer buddies participate in the halftime routine. All buddies enjoy time with their players and cheerleaders during Big 33 weekend and participate in year-round special Buddy events.
NFL Flag, operated by RCX Sports, will produce the on-field Flag competition. For more information on NFL Flag football and to find a league in your neighborhood, please visit here. For Big 33 roster information, go to big33.org.
Tournament Schedule
FREE Community Events
Saturday, May 25
Eagle View Middle School
2:30 p.m. – PSFCA Big 33 Girls Flag Tournament Games #1
3:30 p.m. – PSFCA Big 33 Girls Flag Tournament Games #2
Sunday, May 26
1:30 p.m. – PSFCA Big 33 Girls Flag Tournament Game #3 (Eagle View Middle School)
3:00 p.m. – PSFCA Big 33 Girls Flag Championship Game & Trophy Presentation (Chapman Field)
Media Contacts
Avis Roper, avis.roper@nfl.com
Nicole Whitmire, nwhitmire@big33.org, (717) 856-7566
About NFL FLAG
NFL FLAG is an NFL-licensed property of more than 1,800 locally operated leagues and over 650,000 youth athletes across all 50 states and Canada. NFL FLAG is a fun and accessible non-contact program available for girls and boys ages 5-17. Players benefit by being physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football as well as lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL FLAG. Learn more online at nflflag.com.
