U Sports to add women’s flag football as pilot sport in 2027

Handout/U Sports

U Sports is adding women’s flag football as a pilot sport for the 2027-28 season, it was announced on Wednesday. Under the organization’s current model, pilot sports retain that status for five seasons.

“Women’s flag football has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, and today’s announcement marks an important milestone for university sport in Canada. As the sport continues to gain momentum at the grassroots, university, and international levels — including its debut at the 2028 Olympic Games — this is an exciting opportunity to create new competitive pathways for student-athletes and further expand opportunities for women in sport,” said U Sports chief sport officer Matthew Davies in a statement.

“The addition of women’s flag football reflects U Sports’ commitment to evolving alongside the interests of our student-athletes and Members while fostering inclusive, meaningful championship experiences. We look forward to working with our Members and Football Canada to build the sport’s presence across the country and to seeing the next generation of student-athletes help define this new chapter in U Sports.”

According to a press release, the pilot designation “provides a framework for emerging sports to develop national competition opportunities in partnership with national sport organizations.”

The sport will operate within U Sports while the organization works with its members, conferences and Football Canada to further develop competition standards and championship requirements.

Flag football is the second pilot sport in U Sports history, alongside men’s and women’s tennis in 2023.

“The adoption of Women’s Flag Football as a pilot sport by U Sports is a landmark moment for our game and for the future of sport in Canada. This decision creates a clear pathway for thousands of young women to continue their football journey from community fields to university competition and beyond,” said Football Canada chair Jo-Anne Polak.

Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and today’s announcement reflects the incredible momentum, passion, and talent we are seeing coast to coast. It is also a powerful statement about expanding opportunities for women in sport and ensuring that football remains a game for everyone.

On behalf of Football Canada, I want to thank U Sports, our provincial partners, coaches, athletes, and volunteers whose vision and dedication have helped make this milestone possible. Together, we are building something truly historic, and we cannot wait to see the next generation of student-athletes lead the way.”

There are no details currently available regarding qualification procedures, participating institutions, and the dates and location of the inaugural Football Canada-U Sports Women’s Flag Football Championship.

“This announcement represents a major milestone for the future of flag football in Canada. The addition of women’s flag football to U Sports strengthens an already growing pathway for athletes, creating more opportunities for players to develop, compete at a high level, and continue progressing toward national team programs,” said Canadian Senior Women’s Flag Football Team head coach Rachel Lessard.

“Many of the athletes who will represent Canada in the years ahead will come through the university sport system, and having a national U Sports structure will be valuable as we continue building depth and sustaining success on the international stage. This is an exciting day for our sport and for the next generation of Canadian flag football athletes.”