US flag football player Ashlea Klam is making headlines again—but this time, it’s not for her plays on the field. Klam, who is part of the US women’s national flag football team, is teaming up with the Houston Texans to push for flag football to be officially recognized as a sport for girls in Texas schools. This effort comes at a time when the sport is growing rapidly across the country, especially among young women.
Currently, flag football is not a sanctioned sport for girls by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) in Texas, which means high schools cannot officially offer it as a competitive sport for girls. While boys get to play tackle football with full support and resources, girls who want to play flag football often have to do so through unofficial clubs or local leagues, not through school teams.
That’s what Klam and the Houston Texans want to change. They believe girls in Texas deserve the same opportunity to play the sport in school, represent their teams, and possibly even pursue college scholarships in the future. The Texans recently launched a “Let Her Play” campaign in partnership with Klam and other advocates. The campaign is aimed at raising awareness and gaining community support to convince the UIL to approve flag football for girls.
Ashlea Klam, who grew up in Texas and started playing flag football at a young age, shared how much the sport has impacted her life. She says flag football helped her grow in confidence, leadership, and teamwork. It also gave her a sense of purpose and belonging. Now, as a national-level player, she wants to ensure that other young girls get the same opportunity she had—especially in her home state.
The campaign is also highlighting the fast-growing popularity of flag football among girls in other parts of the country. States like Florida, Alabama, and California have already approved it as an official sport for high school girls. Some colleges have even started offering scholarships. And in a big move earlier this year, flag football was added to the program for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, which could make it even more popular on a global scale.
The Houston Texans are using their platform to bring more attention to the issue. They’ve hosted flag football camps, invited high school girls to participate in games and events, and even brought in celebrities and former NFL players to support the cause. Klam has also been visiting schools and talking to students and parents about why flag football matters.
According to Klam, the sport teaches more than just athletic skills. It teaches discipline, responsibility, and mental toughness. It helps girls feel seen, strong, and empowered. She believes that giving girls access to sports like flag football can have a major impact on their physical and mental health.
School districts in Texas have started to show some interest. A few have run pilot programs where girls can join flag football teams, but these are still not recognized at the state level. Advocates say that official recognition from the UIL is crucial, because that’s what will open the door to real funding, coaching, equipment, and competitions across Texas.
Supporters are asking parents, students, teachers, and community members to sign petitions and share their support online. They’re also urging state education officials to take action soon, so schools can start preparing for future seasons.
While the path ahead is not guaranteed, the energy behind the movement is strong. With a big name like Ashlea Klam leading the charge and a powerful partner like the Houston Texans backing her, the push for girls’ flag football in Texas is gaining serious momentum. For many girls across the state, this could be a turning point—one that finally gives them the chance to step onto the field, wear their school’s name proudly, and play the sport they love.
