Los Angeles Chargers’ Girls Flag Football Program Shines with Multiple Titles at
NFL FLAG Championships
Head Coach Jim Harbaugh surprises Conquer Chargers Head Coaches with Super Bowl Tickets at Training Camp
The Los Angeles Chargers celebrated a memorable summer as the team-sponsored Conquer Chargers girls flag football program secured national championships in both the 14U and High School Girls divisions at the 2026 NFL FLAG Championships. This year’s event, hosted the final weekend of July in Indianapolis, marked the largest tournament in the competition’s history, featuring over 350 teams from across the globe.
Conquer Chargers is the Chargers’ official girls flag football program, providing year-round funding, coaching, and support for athletes throughout Southern California. Since its inception four years ago with just a single team of 10 girls, the program now boasts three chapters, 35 teams, and more than 350 athletes throughout Southern California. Of those 35 teams, a record 11 Conquer Chargers teams, ranging from 8U through high school, earned spots in this year’s tournament by winning their respective divisions.
“When we launched Conquer Chargers, the goal was to create more opportunities for girls to play the game, develop as athletes and help build a foundation for the continued growth of flag football throughout Southern California,” said Zac Emde, Vice President of Football Development for the Los Angeles Chargers. “To see that vision come to life with two national championships is incredibly rewarding, but what we’re most proud of is the culture this program has built and the impact it continues to have on the athletes, coaches, and families who are part of it.”
The newly formed Los Angeles-based high school team, launched in November 2025, achieved a remarkable feat by earning its national championship title. After narrowly missing qualification in four consecutive regional tournaments, the team secured its bid at the final qualifying event in May, propelling them toward their championship run. The team was led by tournament MVP Mya Rei Smith (Camarillo High School) and quarterback Ava Ortman (Ventura High School). Head coach Michael Torre Smith, also the head coach at Sierra Canyon High School and the UCLA Women’s Club Flag Football team, played a pivotal role in their success.
The championship-winning 14U team featured several of Southern California’s top young athletes, including Ava Irvin and Angela Dubois (both from Sierra Canyon High School), alongside tournament MVP quarterback Kate Meier (JSerra Catholic High School). Their outstanding performances showcased the incredible talent developed within the Conquer Chargers program.
Both teams were invited to Back to Football Saturday at the Bolt on August 1, where they had the opportunity to meet Chargers players, be congratulated on the impressive victories by Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and appear on national TV coverage surrounding the NFL tent pole event. Additionally, Head Coach Brian Fournier (14U) and Head Coach Michaeltore Smith (High School) were surprised by the Chargers with tickets to Super Bowl LXI at SoFi Stadium.
Flag football continues to gain momentum globally, with approximately 20 million players worldwide. The NFL FLAG youth leagues have expanded significantly, now boasting over 830,000 players across more than 2,000 leagues nationwide. As the sport grows, the NCAA has taken significant steps toward establishing women’s flag football as a championship sport.
Moreover, Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with an estimated 20 million participants globally. NFL FLAG continues to expand access to the sport through more than 2,000 youth leagues serving over 830,000 athletes nationwide. At the high school level, girls flag football is now sanctioned in 40 states and jurisdictions, and the NCAA has taken significant steps toward establishing women’s flag football as a championship sport.
The sport will also make its Olympic debut at the LA28 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, marking a historic milestone that is expected to further accelerate the growth of flag football both nationally and around the world.
As the Chargers continue to support youth athletics, the success of the Conquer Chargers program reflects the organization’s commitment to fostering talent and promoting the sport of flag football.
For more information, visit www.chargers.com.
