It's not just about the game. It's also about mentorship, connection and empowering young girls.
Over 150 girls gathered at Pullman Community Center Saturday morning. It was all part of the Concrete Rose 773 flag football camp on the city's Far South Side.
"Flag football is one of the more growing sports," said Darrin Cotton Jr., founder and executive director of Concrete Rose 773. "So definitely, some of these girls got real skills."
It was the second time the non-profit has held the free event exclusively for girls who are interested in flag football. It attracts young athletes from all skills levels from the Chicagoland area, and even Wisconsin.
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"I just think females can do anything," participant Anya Holt said. "It's a way to be stronger, it helps you stay in shape. It keeps you mentally there. You have to think all the time, on and off the field."
Through the guidance of coaches, the girls do drills, from catching to tackling.
"I love the station work we get tor work on individual skills, defense, offense," participant Molly O'Hara said. "I am meeting so many new people, and I think that is so important for growing in the game."
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"We try to teach them about life skills in general whether that's teamwork, taking coaching, understanding coaching and then the fundamentals that translate outside of the playing area," Cotton Jr. said.
The event is also meant to empower them, and give them the confidence to play at the collegiate level.
"I did just recently get four offers to play at four different colleges, and that's a big deal for me," Holt said. "I can really play this at the next level."