SANTA CLARA, Calif. – In celebration of "International Day of the Girl," the San Francisco 49ers Foundation today announced Pro Football Hall of Famer and legendary 49ers quarterback Steve Young as the organization's Honorary Captain of Girls Flag Football, alongside the launch of a new initiative, "Football Is Made for Girls." In partnership with the Forever Young Foundation, the program aims to grow Girls Flag Football at every competitive level—from youth to high school —while creating equitable opportunities to learn the game, compete, lead, and thrive.
"Girls flag football is something I've personally grown passionate about through coaching my own daughters. Watching them play completely changed the way I saw the game," said Steve Young. "Their athleticism, teamwork, and competitiveness reminded me why I fell in love with football in the first place. That's when it hit me—football is made for girls. This partnership with the 49ers Foundation gives us a chance to share that joy and opportunity with thousands of others."
As Honorary Captain of Girls Flag Football, Young will serve as an ambassador for the sport and collaborate with the 49ers Foundation to strengthen programming at every stage—from local community initiatives to global outreach. The initiative will focus on expanding school-based flag programs, supporting competitive play in high schools, and creating mentorship opportunities for players and coaches alike. Flag football will continue to be introduced through the 49ers Flag programs, and international clinics and school programming will expand within the 49ers' Global Markets in the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and Mexico.
Girls Flag Football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, with participation among California high schoolers increasing by more than 80 percent since being officially sanctioned as a varsity sport in 2023. Flag football will also make its debut at the Olympic-level during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
As the sport has grown in popularity, the 49ers Foundation has been deeply committed to providing skills-based training and mentorship to the next generation of female athletes. Through 49ers Flag, they've hosted 7 clinics with record participation of over 1,000 high-school girls and recently launched Next Up, a dynamic four-day mini-camp designed to inspire and empower middle school girls to explore both STEAM and flag football.
"We are thrilled to partner with Steve Young and the Forever Young Foundation on a shared mission to empower girls through sport and shape the future of Girls Flag Football," said Jenna York, 49ers Co-Owner and Chief Impact Officer. "Together, we're creating opportunities for more girls to see themselves in the game and ensuring every girl has the chance to learn, play and compete at all levels."
"We couldn't be more excited about Steve Young's partnership to continue growing the sport of Girls Flag Football through Football Is Made for Girls," said Mara York, 49ers Co-Owner and Chief Impact Officer. "Steve's leadership and personal connection to the sport make him the perfect ambassador as we continue to grow the footprint of Girls Flag Football."
For more information, visit 49ers.com/flag/girls.
About the 49ers Foundation
For over 30 years, the 49ers Foundation has harnessed football to educate and empower youth in the Bay Area and beyond through collective and innovative community-focused strategies. From award-winning STEAM education and nationally recognized youth football programs, to impactful community partnerships with leading nonprofits, the 49ers Foundation is tirelessly dedicated to inspiring the confidence and collaboration youth need to tackle what is possible. Since 1991, the 49ers Foundation has invested more than $70 million back into historically underserved Bay Area communities in support of its commitment to remain faithful to the next generation. Visit 49ers.com/foundation.
About the Forever Young Foundation
Founded in 1993 by NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young, Forever Young Foundation focuses on passing on hope and resources for the development, strength, and education of children. The Foundation serves children facing significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges by providing them with academic, athletic, and therapeutic opportunities currently unavailable to them.
