Panthers to award $8,000 in grants to girls flag football programs across the Carolinas
CHARLOTTE, NC (WWAY) — The Carolina Panthers have announced a new award recognizing girls high school flag football coaches across North and South Carolina, with $8,000 in grants going toward school programs.
The team announced Wednesday, Oct. 21, that it is partnering with Whataburger to launch the Girls Flag Coach of the Week award.
Over the next eight weeks, one head coach will be selected each week, with their school’s girls flag football program receiving a $1,000 grant.
All eight recipients will also be recognized during a Panthers home game later this season, when one coach will be named Girls Flag Coach of the Year.
The Panthers named Kyle Bayer of Wakefield High School as the award’s first recipient.
Bayer has more than a decade of teaching and coaching experience and has led the Wolverines to a 14-1 start this season. The team finished last season undefeated at 27-0.
Under Bayer’s leadership, Wakefield has compiled a 41-1 record and is currently ranked No. 25 nationally.
The Wakefield girls flag football program will receive a $1,000 grant as part of the recognition.
The award comes as girls flag football continues to expand across the Carolinas.
According to the Panthers, participation has grown significantly since North Carolina launched its first pilot program in 2022.
At that time, 19 high schools and approximately 500 athletes participated. Today, more than 250 high schools and 4,000 athletes compete across North and South Carolina.
Girls flag football is currently sanctioned as a varsity sport in North Carolina and 24 other states.
The Panthers say the award is intended to recognize coaches who support student-athletes both on and off the field, including those helping players pursue academic and athletic opportunities beyond high school.
Nominations are open for girls high school flag football coaches in North and South Carolina.
Coaches can be nominated through the Carolina Panthers’ website.
