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-aged teams representing the Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders will compete, with each of the clubs nominating one team and multiple coaches to represent their market.
“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 demonstrates how important the growth of the sport is to the NFL."
The inaugural two-day round robin tournament will begin on Saturday, May 25, at Cumberland Valley High School's Eagle View Middle School in Pennsylvania. The championship game will take place 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 beginnings of what will be the catalyst for the states of Pennsylvania and Maryland to have girls flag as a sanctioned sport. "
The PSFCA Big 33 Memorial Day Weekend events run from May 22 – 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.
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" designed to partner kids with special needs with a Big 33 cheerleader or football player. Cheer buddies participate in the halftime routine and all buddies enjoy time with players and cheerleaders over the weekend and in year-round events.
NFL Flag, operated by RCX Sports, will produce the on-field flag competition. Learn more about NFL Flag and find a league in your area. For Big 33 information, go to www.big33.org.