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Editor’s note: This story is a part of the Raising Voices Lab, a CT Mirror initiative focused on local reporting and service journalism in Bridgeport and Hartford that aims to understand and meet the information needs of historically underserved communities.
BRIDGEPORT — The skies over Seaside Park were gray and heavy on Sunday, but the energy radiating from the field cut right through the clouds.
Dozens of girls from across Bridgeport and neighboring cities had their jerseys on and cleats laced as they ran drills, laughed, huddled, and high-fived all day at the inaugural 2025 Girls Flag Football Jamboree. For most, it was their first time playing flag football.
The free event was the first of its kind in the city and, in many ways, the state.
Hosted by Bridgeport Public Schools, in partnership with the New York Giants and Northeast Flag Football League, the jamboree welcomed girls ages 13 to 18 for a day of flag football, team-building, and empowerment at Bridgeport’s Seaside Park. Uniforms were handed out, volunteers stood on the sidelines cheering, and proud families lined up with phones out, capturing every throw and sprint.
“It’s a big opportunity,” said Dr. Royce Avery, acting superintendent of Bridgeport Public Schools. “You think football is all about the boys, but the girls are hungry for it.”
A player winds up for a pass during the 2025 Girls Flag Football Jamboree at Seaside Park in Bridgeport. Credit: Reginald David / CT Mirror
On the sidelines, Alexia Thompson, a freshman at Central High School, adjusted her belt and smiled when asked what it meant to be there.
“This is a very big achievement of mine,” she said. “Back home in Jamaica, soccer is the main sport, especially for girls. So it means a lot for me to come out and play flag football here. I feel proud.”
Next to her, teammate Kimora Simpson, also a freshman, echoed the emotion.
“It’s highlighting female empowerment,” she said. “It’s really nice we got the opportunity to play. We don’t always get that.”
In Bridgeport, sports opportunities for girls have often felt limited. Football, like in many American cities, has long been dominated by boys.
“Female athletes in this city don’t get a lot of outlets,” said Artay Corbett, head coach at Warren Harding High School, who’s working with the girls’ team. “So giving them another sport, something new to be a part of, is a really big deal. This is a major deal for Bridgeport.”
Bridgeport, Connecticut’s largest city and home to over 140,000 residents, was chosen for more than just its shoreline and views.
“This is a transformational moment,” said Avery. “We’re showing our girls they can lead, grow, and thrive. Not just in the classroom, but on the field.”
The idea started with a connection between Dee Fludd, director of the Northeast Flag Football League, and New York Giants owner John Mara. Mara had grandchildren in Fludd’s program. That relationship, along with the rising momentum of girls flag football nationwide, helped launch something bigger.
“This, hopefully, is a way to kick off the sort of interest that girls have in playing flag football,” said Fludd, who has been working for years to expand access to the sport.
In Bridgeport, this partnership was personal for leaders like Don Wilson, founder of the Bridgeport Youth Lacrosse Program. Wilson played a vital role in organizing the event and voicing the need for it, working alongside community organizers and school officials to help bring it to life.
“It’s been unique,” said Paul Catuccio, athletic director for Bridgeport Public Schools. “But it’s all about opportunity. We’re trying to provide more of them, especially for our girls. And they’re really excited.”
A player drops back to make a pass during a game at the 2025 Girls Flag Football Jamboree at Seaside Park. Credit: Reginald David / CT Mirror
For Catuccio, the deeper impact is in collaboration. “Building those relationships, that’s the foundation. Don’s connections in the community, Dee’s knowledge of the sport, and our kids is what made this special,” he said.
This first event, officials and community members hope will be the start of something bigger.
The New York Giants’ sponsorship helped make it all possible and, although the team did not send anyone to the actual event on Sunday, the impact was immediate. Matching uniforms, experienced coaches, community involvement — it gave girls a sense of pride that this wasn’t just a “trial.” It was the real thing.
“We’re not just hosting a tournament,” said Catuccio. “We’re setting a new standard.”
As the NFL continues its push to expand girls flag football by including it during the Pro Bowl and advocating for it as an Olympic sport, places like Bridgeport are emerging as ground zero for real change.
Leaders from the event said this isn’t a one-off.
They expect this jamboree to lead to a formal girls flag football league in Bridgeport.
“We want more for our girls,” said Avery. “More space, more access, more visibility.”
For girls like Alexia and Kimora, that future starts now.
As the clouds over Seaside Park started to clear that afternoon, the scoreboard didn’t matter, just the sound of cleats on grass, laughter from the sidelines and one unmistakable truth.
This was their game, too.
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