2026 Girls Flag Football
For more than 70 years, Helena Small Fry Football has provided the youth of the Helena area with a fun, structured and safe environment to learn the game of football; helping kids of all skills levels to learn and apply teamwork, sportsmanship, and mental and physical durability to their everyday lives. We are proud to enter our 2nd season of Girls Flag Football! It is Helena Small Fry's mission to provide the opportunity to play football, to all kids who want to play. All girls entering grades 5th through 8th in the Fall of 2026 are encouraged to sign up to play. No experience is needed.
Ages
This league is open to all girls in Helena, East Helena, Montana City and surrounding towns entering grades 5th through 8th in the Fall of 2026.
There are currently two divisions in the league. A junior division for 5th and 6th graders, and a senior division for 7th and 8th graders. Divisions may be split into individual grade levels, depending on the number of girls registered to play.
When
The 2026 season begins mid-August and runs through mid-October.
Registration closes July 31st. Team placement will occur the first week of August. Practice begins the week of August 16th. You daughter's coach will reach out to you with specific details - practice times and locations are at the coach's discretion.
Where
For ease of travel, Helena Small Fry makes reasonable efforts to secure practice fields close to your home or athlete's school. Specific practice locations will be confirmed by your athlete's coach once team placements have occurred.
Practices
Helena Small Fry encourages teams to practice at least 3 times a week. Practice locations and times are determined by the team's coach.
Games
Games will be played in the evenings during the week at Ryan Fields in Helena. The schedule is subject to change.
Equipment and Cost to Play
$150 Registration includes the cost of your daughter's jersey and flags, team practice equipment, practice fields, referee fees, etc. Athletes are encouraged to wear cleats during play, which are not included in the cost of your registration.
Good Sportsmanship Expectations
Helena Small Fry partners with our local high school girls flag football teams to source referees for Saturday games. It is important for spectators, players and coaches to remember that most of the referees are high school student athletes. Without them, your athlete would not be able to play. They will make mistakes, and they will miss calls.
Helena Small Fry expects good sportsmanship demonstrated by all spectators, players and coaches at all times. Actions that violate acceptable principles of fair play, respect and good sportsmanship including verbal abuse, taunting, excessive celebration, fighting, or using obscene gestures towards the referees or other team will not be tolerated. Referees may remove any player, coach or spectator from a game who fails to respect the acceptable principles of fair play and demonstrate good sportsmanship.
Montana Girls Flag Football Rule Book
HSF's Girls Flag Football League will follow the Montana Girls Flag Football Rule Book utilized throughout Montana's High School league, unless otherwise stated by the HSF Board. A link to the Montana Girls Flag Football Rule Book is below. Additional rules can be found under HSF's Girls Flag Football Bylaws (linked below).
Volunteer to Coach
Do you love football? Are you looking for ways to have a meaningful impact on today's youth? We need you! Volunteer to coaches and help develop female athletes into leaders through the game of flag football. No experience is necessary, and you don't have to have a child playing in the league! Background checks required. Volunteer today and have a meaningful impact on your community.
Email Helena Small Fry to volunteer at HelenaSmallFry@gmail.com
Sponsor a Team
We're in need of local businesses interested in sponsoring a Girls Flag Football Team! Build your brand's recognition, audience engagement, impact your community and get a return on your investment through team sponsorship. Team sponsors' business names are printed on the back of the team's jersey. And you receive the added bonus of "fuzzy feel goods" by sponsoring a local youth sports team!
Email Helena Small Fry to sponsor a team at HelenaSmallFry@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: MY DAUGHTER HAS NEVER PLAYED TACKLE OR FLAG FOOTBALL; CAN SHE STILL SIGN UP?
A: Absolutely! Since girls' flag football is an emerging sport in Montana, it is the perfect time for beginners to join! Both coaches and athletes are learning together and she definitely won't be the only newbie on the field.
Q: WHAT DOES THE COMMITMENT LOOK LIKE?
A: Just like with any other sport, the more you practice, the better you'll play. The league plays 7v7, and team sizes will be comprised of roughly 8-10 girls to maximize playtime. We encourage coaches to practice at least three (3) times a week, roughly 1.5-2 hours per practice. Because there is so much to learn and considering the important role your athlete will have on the team, it is important she attend as many practices as possible.
Q: I'D LIKE TO HELP COACH, BUT I'VE NEVER PLAYED FOOTBALL MYSELF; IS THAT A PROBLEM?
A: While playing football is helpful experience to have, girls' flag football is not like traditional tackle football. We need adults, like you, willing to learn and be involved in making this league a success. No experience is necessary to coach!
Q: MY DAUGHTER WANTS TO PLAY, BUT MY FAMILY HAS SOME FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS; ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?
A: Please email HelenaSmallFry@gmail.com to explore scholarship opportunities.
2026 Girls Flag Football
Register your female student athlete to participate in Helena Small Fry Football's Girls Flag Football League HERE! Your registration fee covers expenses associated with participating in the league, such as field use, officiants, equipment and jerseys.