Utah Starts Nation's First Girls Tackle Football League

WEST JORDAN, Utah (CBS4)- Utah launched the nation's first girls tackle football team Saturday as dozens of fifth sixth graders played at an elementary school field supported by parents and coaches.

KUTV reports the 50-player league is made up of four teams.

"I think it's super exciting that we're finally doing an all-girls tackle football league because I know there are so many girls out there that would really enjoy doing this," 12-year-old Sam Gordon, who gained attention for her playing skills on YouTube at the age of 9, told KUTV.

Sam's dad, Brent, formed the league with the help of Crystal Sacco and guidance from USA football. Female students reportedly rushed to join the league as soon as signups were available.

"I thought, 'Let's do one division, 50 girls. Let's see what happens.'" Brent told Yahoo Sports. "By the time we got the website up, we only had five days to promote it and it still filled up in that time frame."

For many, the league is positive step toward offering girls more athletic opportunities. However, the topic of concussion awareness and safety concerns others.

"There's no difference between girls playing and boys playing, and I feel strongly about that," Sam Rapoport, the director of development for USA Football, told Yahoo. "There's the same risk. No sport is without risk."

With financial help and investing some of his own funds, Brent and other leaders are making sure the girls get proper equipment such as lighter helmets and better-fitting pads.

"I have zero reservations," Brent told Yahoo. "I had all four of my kids playing tackle last year. I haven't even heard of a kid who's gotten a concussion."

Although there are already roughly 4,000 female players in women's leagues around the country, those advocating for the girls team see it as an important starting point for children aspiring to compete at a higher level.