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Under Armour, The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and Beyond Sport are proud to announce the inaugural recipients of the Click Clack: Next Era Grant. The grant is part of a three-year initiative to expand access to girls flag football in communities where opportunity is too often limited, while also strengthening advocacy towards state sanctioning of girls flag football as a varsity sport in schools. Made possible through a collective $1 million commitment from Under Armour and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and delivered by Beyond Sport, the program invests in organizations that are helping more girls access the opportunities and benefits of sport.
In addition to funding, grantees will receive access to coach education and ongoing support from Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), a national organization that trains youth sports leaders to create positive, inclusive environments where young athletes can thrive.
Meet the Click Clack: Next Era Grant Recipients
As girls flag football continues its rapid growth, these 10 organizations are helping expand access to safe, structured play in communities where opportunity is too often limited, while also strengthening the pathways that support the sport’s long-term growth. Together, they are creating more opportunities for girls to play, lead and thrive.
A World Fit For Kids! (California)
A World Fit For Kids! provides school-based youth development programming across Los Angeles, using physical activity, mentorship and leadership development to help young people thrive. Through Click Clack, the organization will expand after-school girls flag football opportunities in under-resourced communities while building confidence, leadership and belonging among participants.
“This funding opens the door to confidence, community and a pathway forward as California’s girls flag football movement grows.” — Ian Keiller, CEO, A World Fit for Kids!
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs (Illinois)
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs provide safe and supportive environments where young people can learn, grow and reach their full potential. Funding will help expand its structured girls flag football league and increase access for girls from under-resourced communities.
“This funding will help remove barriers to participation, allowing more girls to access positive, empowering experiences through sports.” — Amanda Schleede, CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs, Illinois
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (Missouri)
For nearly 60 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis has delivered youth programming focused on healthy lifestyles, leadership and academic success. The organization will use the grant to grow low-barrier girls flag football opportunities for first-time and underserved athletes across the region.
“This funding represents more than support for our girls’ football program; it is an investment in confidence, leadership, teamwork and opportunity.” — Brandon Williams, President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis
Flag Star Football Foundation (Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia)
Flag Star Football Foundation combines athletic development with mentorship, leadership and workforce development opportunities. Through Click Clack, the organization will continue expanding access to girls flag football across the DMV region while creating pathways for personal growth both on and off the field.
“The grant will help ensure that every girl has the opportunity to play, regardless of financial circumstances. Funding will support scholarships, including those provided through the Capitol Hill Girls League, and help expand free after-school programs that introduce girls to the sport in safe and supportive environments.” — Sophie Bollinger, Director of Girls Program, Flag Star Football
Fútbol Más México (Nuevo León)
The Banderas Verdes program will adapt Fundación Fútbol Más’ socio-sport methodology to girls flag football in Monterrey, combining weekly flag football sessions with guided reflection activities that help participants build teamwork, communication, leadership and confidence. The program also engages families and community members to strengthen safe, inclusive environments that support girls’ participation in sport.
“Sport has the capacity to transform realities when combined with intentional, effective and evidence-based methodologies.” — Andrea Villanueva del Razo, Social Director Mexico, Fundación Fútbol Más
Greater Richmond Fit4Kids (Virginia)
Created in partnership with Richmond Public Schools, the Girls High School Flag Football League provides girls across all eight Richmond public high schools with access to safe, inclusive athletic opportunities. The program includes weekly practices, competitive league play, skills clinics and community events, helping more students participate in organized sport while fostering school connection and leadership development.
“Being selected for the Click Clack: Next Era Grant program is a game changer because it allows us to keep participation free and accessible for EVERY girl.” — Mary Dunne Stewart, CEO, Greater Richmond Fit4Kids
Gwinnett County Public Schools Foundation Fund, Inc. (Georgia)
Building on the success of girls flag football at the high school level, Gwinnett County Public Schools will expand access to the sport by launching girls middle school flag football beginning in 2027. Offered at no cost to participants, the initiative will create stronger pathways into high school athletics while supporting student leadership, confidence and school engagement.
“This support will help us empower the next generation of student-athletes, opening doors to new opportunities and inspiring girls to lead both on and off the field.” — Corrie Collier, Assistant Director of Athletics and Student Activities, Gwinnett County Public Schools
Montana High School Association (Montana)
As the governing body for high school athletics and activities across Montana, the Montana High School Association plays a key role in expanding access to sport in both urban and rural communities. Grant funding will support statewide efforts to grow girls flag football participation and build momentum toward future sanctioning.
“We believe girls flag football has the potential to positively impact hundreds of student-athletes across our state, and this funding will play a critical role in helping us build a sustainable pathway toward statewide varsity competition and future sport sanctioning.” — Brian Michelotti, Executive Director, Montana High School Association
The 18th Ward (Louisiana)
Based in New Orleans, The 18th Ward uses sports and workforce development to help young people build leadership skills, gain employment experience and strengthen community connections. Through Click Clack, the organization will expand girls flag football while creating leadership and workforce pathways for older participants.
“What excites us most is the chance to build something lasting—not just leagues and teams, but a true pipeline for leadership, confidence, and community.” — Chloe Pullen, Development Director, The 18th Ward
The Sanneh Foundation (Minnesota)
Founded by former professional soccer player Tony Sanneh, The Sanneh Foundation empowers youth through sport, education and community-centered programming. The grant will support its ‘Girls First’ flag football program, creating safe and empowering opportunities for immigrant and BIPOC girls in Saint Paul.
“Our Girls First program is focused on reducing barriers to entry while creating consistent, meaningful opportunities for girls to build skills, confidence, leadership and long-term engagement in sport.” — Joanna Tzenis, Vice President of Programs, The Sanneh Foundation
Together, these organizations will expand access to safe, structured play, reduce barriers to participation and strengthen the pathways that help girls stay engaged in flag football, particularly in the lead-up to Los Angeles 2028. Through community-based programs, school partnerships and statewide initiatives, they are helping ensure more girls have the opportunity to compete, belong and imagine futures beyond the sidelines.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RECIPIENTS!
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