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Women’s flag football is officially coming to Alabama’s community colleges and Lurleen B Wallace (LBW) Community College is among the first to embrace the opportunity. In a recent media release, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) announced the addition of women’s flag football to the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) for the 2025-2026 academic year, an addition made possible by a donation from the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils.

“This initiative promotes inclusion, empowers women in sports and creates new opportunities for community college student-athletes,” said RC&D Executive Director Katie Conner. “We are so proud we can be a part of this—something new and exciting for our state.”

The official announcement was made at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl, where representatives from NFL FLAG, Alabama Recreation and Parks Association and RC&D joined ACCC officials, college presidents and athletic directors to unveil the plans.

Izell Reese, executive director of NFL FLAG and a Dothan native, highlighted the significance of the sport’s growth. 

“Women’s flag football is the fastest growing sport in the United States and arguably ever. It is skyrocketing,” Reese said. “At one time, females didn’t have a path to continue to play flag football beyond high school. It’s phenomenal to now hear of the opportunities that are going to come at the community college level.”

Following the announcement, LBW is stepping into the spotlight as one of the first institutions to establish a women’s flag football program under the ACCC’s expansion. The college’s inaugural team will hit the field in Fall 2025, bringing new energy to campus life and offering female athletes a pathway to continue playing the sport beyond high school.

Dr. Brock Kelley, President of LBW, expressed his excitement about the addition.

“We are thrilled to bring women’s flag football to our college,” Kelley said. “This program represents more than just a sport — it’s a new opportunity for our female athletes to showcase their talents, develop lifelong skills and build community. LBW is proud to be at the forefront of this initiative, providing our students with innovative and enriching experiences both on and off the field.”