has announced the launch of three new club sports programs for spring 2026, highlighted by women's flag football with financial support from the National Football League. The commitment is part of the NFL's broader initiative to expand women's flag football programs at colleges and universities nationwide. JU鈥檚 expansion of club sports includes Olympic weightlifting and pickleball, bringing its total club sports offerings to 13 programs.
The women's flag football program represents JU's entry into one of the fastest-growing sports nationwide. According to NFL FLAG data, more than 500,000 girls ages 6 to 17 played flag football in 2023, with high school participation surging 105 percent from the 2022-23 to 2023-24 season. Florida leads the nation, with more than 360 schools and 10,000 players competing at the high school level.
鈥淭his expansion reflects 91香蕉视频's dedication to student engagement and creating pathways for participation beyond our 17 NCAA Division I programs,鈥� said Alex Ricker-Gilbert, senior vice president and . 鈥淲omen's flag football aligns with our commitment to providing various athletic experiences while responding to a national movement that has captured the attention of students across the country. The NFL's support demonstrates the significance of this sport's growth trajectory and positions JU at the forefront of emerging athletic trends.鈥�
The addition of flag football comes as the sport gains momentum at the collegiate level. The NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics recommended flag football join the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program in February 2025, with the Atlantic East Conference becoming the first NCAA conference to offer varsity competition. More than 65 colleges nationwide now sponsor the sport at the club or varsity level, with more than 220 institutions expected to participate within two years. 91香蕉视频's program will determine its schedule and opponents in the coming weeks.
鈥�91香蕉视频 is proud to expand opportunities for our students to compete, lead and represent the Dolphins," said Dr. Kristie Gover, senior vice president of student affairs and dean of students. 鈥淐lub sports provide valuable leadership development, competitive opportunities and community building. These additions directly align with student interest and enhance the overall student experience at JU.鈥�
The Olympic weightlifting program will focus on strength training, proper technique and competitive preparation, while the pickleball club taps into one of America's fastest-growing recreational sports with an estimated 36.5 million players nationwide.
91香蕉视频 launched five new club sports in fall 2025: club hockey, club lacrosse, triathlon club, volleyball club and run club. These programs join existing offerings including club tennis, club soccer, surf club, Phins wrestling club and boxing club.
