Buffalo Bills to Host Expansive 2026 High School Girls Flag Football Kickoff
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — In a significant move to bolster local athletics, the Buffalo Bills have announced a partnership with Section VI, Section V, and Monsignor Martin to host the 2026 High School Girls Flag Football Kickoff. This premier regional event, scheduled to take place at the Buffalo Bills Training Center, represents the largest gathering of its kind since the initiative launched in 2022, highlighting the rapid ascent of the sport within Western New York.
The upcoming kickoff is expected to host more than 70 teams, drawing approximately 1,750 student-athletes from the Buffalo and Rochester metropolitan areas. This surge in participation reflects a broader national trend, but the local impact is particularly felt here in our community.
The Rising Tide of Girls Flag Football in Western New York
The growth of flag football has been a cornerstone of the Bills’ community outreach and youth development strategy. Pete Guelli, President of Business Operations for the Bills, noted the organization’s enthusiasm for the program’s trajectory.
“We are proud to help raise awareness and create more opportunities for young women to play,” Guelli stated. “We’re excited to host this weekend’s Girls Flag Kickoff, which will bring together over 70 high school teams and 1,750 athletes from Buffalo and Rochester.”
For the Lake Erie Times, this event serves as a testament to the region’s commitment to inclusive sports. The partnership between professional organizations and local school sections underscores a shared mission to provide high-quality athletic environments for young women across Western New York.
Event Schedule and Logistics
The three-day event will be held from Friday, March 27, through Sunday, March 29, at the Buffalo Bills Training Center located at One Bills Drive in Orchard Park. To accommodate the record number of participating teams, the event has been organized into six distinct sessions.
| Date | Session Time |
|---|---|
| Friday, March 27 | Session 1: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
| Saturday, March 28 | Session 2: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| Session 3: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | |
| Session 4: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | |
| Sunday, March 29 | Session 5: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
| Session 6: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
Participating Teams by Session
The following table outlines the diverse array of schools participating in the kickoff, ranging from local Buffalo academies to Rochester-area high schools.
| Session | Participating Schools |
|---|---|
| Session 1 | Irondequoit, Aquinas, Avon, Churchville-Chili, East, Edison Tech, Greece Arcadia, Penfield, Brockport, Akron/Alden, Iroquois, Lewiston Porter, Niagara Wheatfield. |
| Session 2 | Canisteo-Greenwood, Eastridge, Greece Athena, Le Roy, Gates Chili, Williamsville South, Dunkirk, Fredonia, Pioneer, Silver Creek/Forestville/Lake Shore. |
| Session 3 | Monroe, Pittsford, Rochester Prep, Batavia, Padilla, Webster Schroeder, Grand Island, Southwestern/Frewsburg, Williamsville North, Williamsville East, Jamestown, Lancaster, Sweet Home. |
| Session 4 | Williamson, Wayne, Mercy, Wilson, Greece Olympia/Odyssey, Depew, Amherst, West Seneca, Mount St. Mary Academy, St. Mary’s, South Park. |
| Session 5 | East Rochester, Geneseo, Livonia, Spencerport, Webster Thomas, Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, Orchard Park, Clarence, Hutch Tech/Buffalo Public Schools, Lackawanna, Tapestry Charter School. |
| Session 6 | Mount Mercy Academy, Nardin Academy, Frontier, Kenmore, Hamburg, North Tonawanda, Tonawanda City Schools, Niagara Falls, Buffalo Academy of Science, Cheektowaga Central, Health Sciences Charter School, Holland. |
More Than Just a Game: Media and Engagement
In line with the professional atmosphere the Buffalo Bills provide, the 2026 Kickoff will offer more than just on-field competition. Participating athletes will have access to an exclusive Media Day set for professional photography and dedicated Bills social media stations. These interactive elements are designed to celebrate the athletes’ achievements and elevate the profile of girls flag football within the sports community.
As the region continues to champion youth sports, the Lake Erie Times remains committed to covering the events that strengthen our community connections. For further updates on local sports and community news, stay tuned to our local news coverage.
About William Strasmore: William Strasmore is a dedicated news reporter for Lake Erie Times, specializing in in-depth coverage of community affairs and regional dynamics in Western New York.
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