The motion passed. Texas is moving forward with sanctioning girls high school flag football.
The UIL Legislative Council voted Monday, October 19, to move forward with sanctioning the sport, marking a major breakthrough for the athletes, families, coaches and organizations who have been pushing for this opportunity.
For girls across Texas who love football, this is a moment worth celebrating. It moves the state closer to a future where more athletes can represent their schools and build a football career beyond high school.
The Texans and Cowboys Helped Build the Foundation
The Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys deserve recognition for the work behind this moment. Both organizations have helped build school-based leagues and have pushed for UIL sanctioning. The Texans have brought that effort to the public through She’s Next and Make Texas Next, with Hannah McNair and the Cowboys’ Charlotte Jones helping lead the statewide push.
The numbers show how much interest was already there. In September, the Texans reported that more than 270 schools and nearly 6,000 female student-athletes were committed to playing in Texas in 2027. Those were forward-looking commitments, showing the demand heading into this decision. [1]
The Cowboys reported more than 100 participating high school teams in spring 2026. Together, the two NFL organizations also organized a girls flag football Texas state championship at the University of North Texas in June. That event was part of their broader effort to build competition and support UIL sanctioning. [2, 3]
The Texans also gave families, athletes, coaches and school leaders a way to show their support through a public support map and petition. That campaign helped put a simple message in front of Texas: girls want the opportunity to play. [4]
Support for Schools Will Matter
For districts considering a program, the next conversation is practical. Schools need coaches, equipment, facilities and a plan that fits their budgets.
The Texas UIL and smaller districts had concerns for the level of funding that would be offered from the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys. Funding was a highly debated topic during the meeting. Districts in smaller / remote areas in Texas are concerned with the number of participating schools, the travel time and distance between those schools, along with the funding that requires for long travel for games.
The Cowboys publicly describe providing resources and curriculum to make girls flag football more accessible. As Texas moves toward implementation, schools will need clear information about available assistance and the costs they will be responsible for. The support that helped build these leagues will matter as more districts consider joining. Although the Cowboys and Texans promised to continue and support under-funded districts, they did not clearly define the number they were willing to put forth. This support was vital for the decision to Sanction Girls Flag Football in Texas.
What This Could Mean for Recruiting
For recruiting, the potential benefit is straightforward. More school teams could mean more athletes receiving regular coaching, playing meaningful games and building film for college evaluation.
The Texans already operate a Girls Flag College Showcase designed to connect high school athletes with college programs. A broader high school structure could give more girls a way to develop before they reach those recruiting opportunities. [5]
At Flag Football Recruiting, we see how important that connection is. Athletes need opportunities to compete, verified information that coaches can evaluate and a way to get their film in front of college programs. Expanding access to the sport can help more families begin that process.
What Happens Next
The vote is a major milestone. The implementation details will determine when and how schools begin UIL competition.
The UIL said they will continue to communicate with High School Athletic Directors across the State of Texas to gather information. The major questions they need answered is:
- Is their program interested in playing Flag Football at their school?
- What time of year works best for a Flag Football season?
- Are there any field conflicts that impact practice or game schedules?
- Do they require funding from the Houston Texans or Dallas Cowboys?
- Any concerns about Flag Football Schedule in Texas High Schools.
UIL also states that rules approved by the Legislative Council require approval from the Commissioner of Education before implementation. That remains an important step between a council vote and the rules taking effect, but things are looking good!
For today, the significance is clear. The girls who have been showing up to practices, building teams and asking for their chance have helped bring Texas to this moment.
Texas is moving forward! Girls flag football has earned this opportunity!
As always, if you have a story or an athlete I should know about, reach out to me on X or Instagram at @CoachSGZ.
Sanction Girls Flag. Texas IS Next!
#GirlsFlagFootball
Coach Scott Gonzalez
Founder & President
Flag Football Recruiting, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
FlagFBRecruiting.com
Register for our Flag Football Recruiting Combine & Showcase – December 19, 2026 – DALLAS, Texas