A new era of scholastic sports is taking shape — or perhaps an old one is getting a fresh start.

Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, the PIAA will offer championship competition in girls flag football, further cementing the sport’s growing place in the high school athletic landscape. While boys can participate too, the effort is primarily geared toward providing new opportunities for female athletes.

Three Lehigh Valley Schools (Emmaus, Parkland and Palisades) fielded teams this past spring, while many schools in the Philadelphia area also have girls flag football teams.

To make sure the Coal Region isn’t left behind, longtime Marian Catholic head coach Stan Dakosty is leading a group of experienced coaches to teach the game’s fundamentals. The noncontact format emphasizes speed, skill and football IQ, offering a foundation for athletes to learn how the game is played.

The camp will be held this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Narrows Valley Sports Complex in Nesquehoning. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and the cost is $60. It is open to girls in grades 3-12 and boys in grades 3-8. Participants will work on football fundamentals and take part in competitive drills and games.

Joining Dakosty on staff is Joe Trainer, head coach of the women’s flag football program at Immaculata University — one of a growing number of colleges now offering the sport.

Trainer, a former Division I football coach, will bring insight into how flag football is being developed at the collegiate level and what opportunities may lie ahead for high school athletes. Also helping are Jimmy Tkach, who runs a flag football program in Delaware, and Marian head coach Billy O’Gurek, among others.

“This is unique in that we don’t know exactly how many kids will show up,” Dakosty said. “The athletic directors at our schools have been very supportive in helping spread the word. It’s not like other camps where teams sign up as a group — we’re hoping for a good turnout from both girls and boys. It could be 40, it could be 100.”

Dakosty believes flag football is on the brink of a major breakthrough. He likens it to the explosive growth of girls wrestling, which has rapidly become a staple in high school and college athletics across the country. With strong support from the National Football League, he expects flag football to follow a similar path — especially for female athletes.

“Yes, the NFL is totally behind this,” Dakosty said, referencing the league’s formal partnership with high school and youth programs through NFL FLAG. “This is going to be really big. It gives girls the opportunity to play a sport they’ve mostly just watched from the sidelines. We’re all very excited. I can see this sport exploding in Pennsylvania.”

The momentum is already evident. The NFL’s most recent Pro Bowl was played as a flag football game, drawing praise from fans for its fast pace and energy. A girls flag football game at the Big 33 Football Classic was also well received.

“They had a flag football game this year at the Big 33 Football Game. It went over very big,” Dakosty said.

Though retired from coaching, Dakosty remains one of the state’s most respected football voices. His passion for the game is as strong as ever. He noted that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was part of a recent flag football championship event in Philadelphia — an experience that stood out for Dakosty and his daughter, Mary.

“She’s so passionate about football, I had to get the picture,” he said.

The Philadelphia-area league, organized by the Athena Group, features more than 450 girls and continues to grow. The sport is also gaining ground in the Pittsburgh area.

With interest growing, scholarship opportunities rising, and national visibility increasing, flag football is becoming more than just a new sport — it’s a pathway. And now, thanks to efforts like this weekend’s camp, that path includes the Coal Region.

Boys are welcome, too — and encouraged to take part in what could be the start of something big.