Canadian university sport will introduce women’s flag football as a pilot sport.

U Sports and Football Canada will collaborate on flag football’s introduction and execution for the 2027-28 season.

A pilot sport is re-evaluated after five years to determine whether it deserves full-sport status.

Women’s flag football will increase the number of U Sports championships to 24, including 13 women’s sports. The sport is the second pilot sport introduced by U Sports after men’s and women’s tennis in 2023-24.

“Women’s flag football has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, and today’s announcement marks an important milestone for university sport in Canada,” said Matthew Davies, chief sport officer of U Sports.

“As the sport continues to gain momentum at the grassroots, university, and international levels — including its debut at the 2028 Olympic Games — this is an exciting opportunity to create new competitive pathways for student-athletes and further expand opportunities for women in sport.”

Football Canada has sanctioned a Canadian Collegiate Flag Football Championship for the last four years, with Quebec universities dominating the women’s tournament.

Men’s and women’s flag football makes its Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 2028.

“The adoption of Women’s Flag Football as a pilot sport by U Sports is a landmark moment for our game and for the future of sport in Canada,” said Jo-Anne Polak, Chair for Football Canada.

“This decision creates a clear pathway for thousands of young women to continue their football journey from community fields to university competition and beyond.”