ADA, OH (WLIO) - A tournament sponsored by the Wilson Football Factory and the NFL gave the ladies a chance to enjoy the game from the field, not the stands.
The International Women's Flag Football Association hosts tournaments for women and girls all over the country, but this is the first time they've brought the competition to the Midwest, starting with Ohio Northern University.
"It's, for the women, I think some of them may have played flag football unorganized or on the powder puff, but this is 8-on-8, center, two guards, and eligible receivers. That opens up the running play. We kick, we punt, fake kicks, rush from the scrimmage line. It's close to NFL," explained Diane Beruldson, the president of the IWFFA.
The teams in Saturday's tournament were mainly made up of Ohio Northern students and women from around the Ada community. On Sunday, at 1pm, they'll also host another tournament for girls ages 8-11.
Many of the players involved have never played football before, but jumped on the chance as soon as they got it.
"I never really thought about playing football myself, and this week it's really opened me up to doing it more, and I think it's a great time. I'll be mostly playing center, however, because we're just doing it for fun, we do rotate out as we want to play," said Erica Brooks, a senior at ONU and captain of her team.
Many women already know and love the sport, but the IWFFA imagines a future where girls have the option to compete more often than just once a year during special tournaments like this.
"My family is a football family. My boyfriend is a football player, my brother used to play football, my dad loves watching football. We cook all the time for football games. I feel like every athletic girl should have more options that just track or swimming. You know, there needs to be other things to because some women aren't as delicate as those sports. So, if they like football and they enjoy playing it with their brothers, they should have the opportunity to play too," said Naje' Wright, a junior and the captain of her team.
On top of these tournaments, the International Women's Flag Football Association travels the world to teach the sport. Flag football also makes its debut in the summer 2028 Olympics, with teams for both men, and women.
