Petition now live at Chiefs.com/LetHerPlay
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Chiefs today announced the launch of a new girls Flag Football campaign celebrating the sport's rapid growth and the expanding opportunities it is creating for student-athletes across the region – while spotlighting what is still missing.
At the heart of the effort is a Chiefs flag with a strip of fabric intentionally missing from the middle, symbolizing the opportunity not yet fully available for girls across Kansas to compete in school-based Flag Football. The campaign invites fans and communities statewide to help fill in that missing piece by taking action through an online petition now live at [link], as Kansas approaches a high school sanctioning decision.
As Kansas nears a pivotal April 23 vote by the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) on whether to sanction girls Flag Football as an official high school sport, the Chiefs are mobilizing fans, employees, and community partners statewide to support. Sanctioning would allow schools statewide to offer structured programs, establish standardized rules and governance, and create the opportunity for official state championship competition. The decision would also help formalize a sustainable pathway from youth participation through high school athletics, expanding access while elevating the sport's visibility and long-term viability across Kansas.
A newly released video – one of several ways the campaign is being amplified – features a broad mix of voices joining the Chiefs in support of the upcoming vote, including head coach Andy Reid, Chiefs legends Will Shields and Trent Green, trailblazing coaches Liz and Katie Sowers, and Kansas City cultural icons Tech N9ne and Heidi Gardner. Players, coaches, staff members, and community leaders chant "Let HER Play," underscoring the collective call for access and school-based participation in Flag Football. The video debuted on Chiefs social platforms this morning and will be supported by continued outreach and programming throughout the state.
"This is about opportunity," said Chiefs President Mark Donovan. "We've seen firsthand how girls Flag Football builds confidence, leadership, and a true sense of belonging for students who want to be part of the game. The momentum across Kansas is real, and moments like this have the power to open doors for an entire generation of student-athletes. Sanctioning girls Flag Football is the next step in turning this moment into lasting opportunity – one we can move forward by working together across Kansas."
As part of the initiative, the Chiefs have partnered with Hy-Vee locations in Lawrence, Topeka, Lenexa, Mission, Olathe, Overland Park, and Prairie Village to provide fans with opportunities to take action locally. More than 55 Chiefs staff members were stationed at participating Hy-Vee stores throughout Kansas to kick off the campaign and hand out "Let HER Play" flags and keychains and encourage community members to sign the petition in support of girls Flag Football sanctioning (while supplies last).
Girls Flag Football has quickly emerged as one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the country, with participation accelerating at the high school level nationwide. As interest continues to grow, the sport is creating new pathways to collegiate competition and long-term opportunities, including Flag Football's debut as an Olympic sport in 2028 in Los Angeles.
The Chiefs have long supported the growth of Flag Football across both Kansas and Missouri through youth leagues, high school pilot programs, coaching education initiatives, and community partnerships. Hundreds of student athletes now participate annually in regional pilot leagues, many experiencing school-based athletics for the first time.
"Girls Flag Football represents exactly where we should be headed in Kansas – expanding opportunity, honoring student voice, and building programs where every student can see themselves," said Sara Richardson, Principal, Wichita High School East & KSHSAA Executive Board Member. "At its core, this is about believing in our girls and backing that belief with real opportunity. It's about choosing to lead, removing barriers, and giving our girls the chance to compete, connect, and be seen. When we do that, we don't just grow a sport – we elevate our entire school community and create a culture where every student knows they belong and can succeed."
As Kansas prepares for its upcoming sanctioning vote, the organization continues its work with schools and partners in Missouri as well to expand access and build toward long-term, sustainable growth of the sport throughout the entire region. In Missouri, girls Flag Football currently holds emerging sport status, a designation that allows schools to launch programs, compete in organized pilot leagues, and build participation and infrastructure statewide. Continued growth at the school level is a critical step toward meeting participation benchmarks required before the Missouri State High School Activities Association would consider a future sanctioning vote.
The Chiefs will continue hosting clinics, coaching development sessions, and youth programming to support schools and communities interested in bringing girls Flag Football to their students. Additional information about girls Flag Football programs and resources can be found at chiefs.com/chiefsflag/.
