In a major step for girls’ flag football, a newly established club, ‘South OC Wave’ partnered with the Los Angeles Rams to host a performance camp for youth players in Southern California. With over 130 attendees, the camp gave young girls the chance to learn from both Rams coaches and local high school athletes, to further push the growth of the sport.

This camp is part of a larger movement that has been shaping the future of girls’ flag football, which is recognized as the fastest-growing sport in the country. The National Football League (NFL) is using their platform to promote girls flag football and looking at the possibility of a potential professional league.

Girls flag football has soared, specifically at the high school level. San Juan Hills High School isa pivotal school that helped sanction girls flag football through the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) organization. SJHHS was one of 8 teams to be a part of the Matt Leinart Flag Football high school league back in 2021. 

Shortly after, those 8 teams grew into 12 teams, rising in popularity and peaking the interest of girls throughout the state of California. By 2023, CIF sanctioned girls flag football, offering each team in California a chance to play the game.  

But what happens after the high school season is over? 

SJHHS head coaches Corey Hill and Chad Hogancamp established ‘South OC Wave’, a local Southern Orange County club, that gives girls of all ages the chance to play the sport year round. 

“We started the club for our high school girls but due to overwhelming popularity, we kept getting requests from younger players to add teams,” said Hogancamp. 

Several girls from SJHHS play through the club, alongside girls from local Southern Orange County schools. 

After a year of planning, one of Wave’s primary goals was accomplished. The club seeked interest in collaborating with the Los Angeles Rams, to put together a performance camp in Orange County.

The goal of the performance camp is to grow the sport, inviting both beginners and experienced youth players, to learn from  Rams staff and high school girls, youth athletes will one day aspire to be. 

“Sadly, I didn’t get the chance to play football this young but seeing the talent from these girls, makes me want to give back and grow the game,” said OC Wave player Makayla Barry. 

The age range for this camp started from kindergarten, all the way through 8th grade girls. 

Each player received a Rams T-shirt, eye black, and a set of flags. The camp’s attendance exceeded its goal and registration was capped at 130 youth athletes. 

Once athletes were checked in, players rotated through six skills stations, each hosted by both Rams coaching staff and Wave players. These stations were designed to teach fundamental skills in an interactive way, allowing the girls to receive direct feedback from high-level coaches and staff. 

“The goal is for every girl to walk away from the camp not only with new skills but also with a passion and new love for football,” said OC Wave player Gwyneth Lyon.  

After the skills stations, the camp shifted to a fun, competitive atmosphere with a series of games and challenges. Players raced against each other in different age categories, competing for fun prizes and giveaway items. 

Through initiatives like this, South OC Wave and the Los Angeles Rams are helping to build a wave of change in women’s sports. Together, they’re creating a future where girls’ flag football continues to grow and inspire young athletes nationwide.

For more information on South OC Wave, you can follow them on their Instagram @southocwavee