#United States #Florham Park #New York Jets #Betty Wold Johnson #ECAC

$1 Million Grant Revolutionizes Women's Flag Football

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation has committed a substantial $1 million grant to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), aiming to reshape the landscape of women's flag football in the United States. This ambitious plan is set to launch the largest collegiate women's flag football league in the country, beginning in the spring of 2026. Under the guidance of Woody Johnson, the grant reflects a strong commitment from both the Johnson family and the New York Jets to empower women in sports.

The new league expects to kick off in February 2026, with a championship game scheduled for May. According to Woody Johnson, chairman of the New York Jets, empowering young women through football has been a significant part of their mission. He stated, "Partnering with the ECAC to establish this league creates robust pathways for student-athletes to compete, grow, and lead both on and off the field." This partnership aims to further elevate the profile of women's sports and enhance competition opportunities.

The league will utilize a 7-on-7 format and will commence with a Media Day at MetLife Stadium in February 2026, following which a USA Football Talent ID Camp will be held to scout potential talent. Regular season games will take place across various college campuses from February through April, culminating in the final championship match at MetLife Stadium, expected to draw significant attention.

NFL Executive VP Troy Vincent Sr. expressed enthusiasm about this initiative, calling it a "significant milestone for women's sports." He remarked on the empowering potential this league holds for young women, enabling them to pursue their dreams in a competitive environment.

Dan Coonan, ECAC Commissioner, expressed excitement about collaborating with the Jets and the foundation, emphasizing their commitment to providing premier competition for young female athletes. He firmly believes that their long-standing experience positions them to bring this bold initiative to life.

In addition to the funds directed to league operations, participating schools such as Allegheny College, Caldwell University, and Mercy University will receive grants to help mitigate the costs associated with forming flag football teams, making participation more accessible.

The Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation are not just donors; they are active participants in fostering an inclusive sports culture. The launch of the ECAC Women's Flag Football League is indicative of a broader movement to support female athletes at all levels. With the foundation's financial backing, it is anticipated that thousands of young women will now have a platform to demonstrate their skills and develop their athletic careers.

As Amanda Ruller, head flag football coach at Eastern University, noted, this funding signifies real commitment to women's opportunities in sports. She emphasized that the visibility and influence the Jets provide will greatly benefit the growth of flag football among women.

With $1 million fueling this transformative project, it's expected that the ECAC Women's Flag Football League will not only make waves in the sports community but also serve as an inspiration for future generations of female athletes. The commitment from the New York Jets and the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation signals a future where young women can dream bigger and achieve more through the sport they love. It's a game-changer not just for women's flag football but for women's sports in general, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive athletic landscape.

As the inaugural season approaches, anticipation builds. The community sees this as a vital step toward expanding opportunities and encouraging the next generation of female athletes to engage with the sport they love and to realize their potential on the field, and in life beyond sports.