SAN DIEGO – The growth of girls’ flag football in San Diego County has reached a new milestone with the announcement of the So Cal Women’s Pro Flag Football League (SCWPFFL) set to launch in 2026. This league aims to provide female athletes an opportunity to compete at a professional level, reflecting the increasing popularity of the sport across the region.
In recent years, the participation rate in girls’ flag football has surged following its sanctioning by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) three years ago. Many high schools in the area have reported rosters of approximately 50 players, with some programs even seeing up to 70 athletes vying for a spot on the team. This rise in interest has necessitated tighter roster limits and cuts, as teams adapt to higher skill levels among players.
The CIF has also updated its regulations to enhance the competitive nature of the game. New rules now allow for moving screens and blocking, while the neutral zone has been reduced to one yard. This change permits defenses to blitz from that distance, resulting in a faster-paced style of play that has drawn in more fans.
New Opportunities for Female Athletes
The SCWPFFL, spearheaded by veteran sports promoter Roy Englebrecht, aims to establish franchises in all eight Southern California counties, including both San Diego and Imperial counties. Englebrecht highlighted the league’s mission to create opportunities and visibility for women in sports.
“Women’s flag football has reached a tipping point,” he stated. “The talent level is extraordinary, the interest is real, and the timing is right.” Englebrecht, who has a background in boxing promotion and minor league baseball, expressed enthusiasm for potential investors. He noted the excitement of ownership, drawing a parallel with renowned sports owners such as Jerry Jones and Steve Ballmer.
The inaugural season of the SCWPFFL is scheduled to run from June to mid-August, featuring a 14-game regular season followed by playoffs. Games are expected to take place at local high school and junior college stadiums throughout San Diego County. A league-wide draft is planned for mid-March, with further details regarding team names, tryouts, and corporate partnerships set to be revealed in February.
National Trends and Future Prospects
Nationally, women’s flag football continues to gain traction, with at least 15 states now sanctioning girls’ high school teams. The NFL has also been proactive in supporting grassroots programs to expand participation in the sport. Notably, women’s flag football is poised to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, marking a significant milestone for female athletes.
As the SCWPFFL prepares for its launch, Englebrecht is also in the process of hiring a commissioner to oversee the league. The establishment of this professional platform represents a critical step in providing female athletes with pathways to continue their sporting careers beyond high school.
The excitement surrounding the league reflects a broader cultural shift in sports, where women’s athletics are gaining increasing recognition and support. With the SCWPFFL, San Diego is set to become a hub for professional women’s flag football, further solidifying the region’s reputation as a leader in sports innovation.
