SALT LAKE CITY — Westminster University Athletics announced today the launch of women's flag football as a club sport beginning in fall 2027, expanding competitive opportunities for women at Westminster. 

Westminster will be the only institution in Utah to offer a women's flag football club program that is fully funded by the university and led by a dedicated coaching staff. The founding team will give students the opportunity to help build the program from its inception. 

"This is an exciting day for Westminster and for women's sports," Westminster Athletic Director Shelley Jarrard said. "At a time of change in college athletics, adding flag football creates new opportunities for our student-athletes and builds on Westminster's commitment to women's athletics." Flag football is one of the nation's fastest-growing sports, with participation growing at the youth, high school and collegiate club levels. The sport's inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles makes this an especially exciting time to be part of its growth." 

Flag football is a fast-paced, non-contact version of the game in which defenders stop ball carriers by pulling a flag from their belt instead of tackling. Westminster will compete in the 7v7 format, with the Griffins practicing and playing home games at Dumke Field. 

The launch comes during a period of significant national growth for the sport. The NCAA added women's flag football to its Emerging Sports for Women program in January 2026, and nearly 400 club and varsity teams are set to compete nationally during the 2026–27 academic year. Flag football will also make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. 

"Flag football is one of the nation's fastest-growing sports, with participation growing at the youth, high school and collegiate club levels. The sport's inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles makes this an especially exciting time to be part of its growth." 

Current and prospective Westminster students interested in joining the team can contact Director of Athletics, Shelley Jarrard at sjarrard@westminsteru.edu. More information about the program will be announced on our website over the next several months. Follow the program on Instagram at @wugriffinsflagfb. 

About Westminster Athletics 

Westminster University is a member of the NCAA II and the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). Westminster is a private, independent, and comprehensive university in Salt Lake City, Utah. Students experience the liberal arts blended with professional programs in an atmosphere grounded in wellness. With the goal of enabling its graduates to live vibrant, just, and successful lives, Westminster provides transformational learning experiences for both undergraduate and graduate students in a student-centered environment. Faculty focus on teaching, learning, and developing distinctive, innovative programs, while students thrive on Westminster's urban Sugar House campus within minutes of the Rocky Mountains.