Anthony and Lori Martinez, founders of NJ Gridiron Girls Flag Football, want the league’s members to feel more confident.
It’s made for girls to feel seen, supported and believe in themselves.
Lori and Anthony Martinez founded NJ Gridiron Girls Flag Football with a shared vision to create meaningful opportunities for young female athletes across South Jersey. The Delran residents are both determined to make it amazing and to touch as many lives as possible.
“We’re doing this because we’re really passionate about supporting female athletes, and when you have pure intentions, things go well,” Lori explained. “Everything that we’ve been doing has been purposeful. You never want to do anything that isn’t going to be good.
“There’s no personal gain for us,” she added. “We’re both in athletics. We’re both really passionate about the wellness of sports in general, and now we’re making girls flag football happen, and we’re so excited.”
Lori works for Moorestown High’s athletic department and is also a licensed massage therapist. With more than 30 years of youth football coaching experience, Anthony is an NJSIAA (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association) high-school official for football, volleyball, basketball, girls flag football and youth sports. He also has expertise in player development, safety and game integrity.
The NJSIAA will vote in May to officially sanction girls flag football as its 35th varsity sport, with full implementation planned for the 2026-’27 school year. Four years ago, the sport was introduced to NJSIAA member schools through partnerships with the NFL’s New York Jets, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles.
A number of New Jersey high schools are participating in spring 2026 pilot leagues and growing club programs, and as of last year, girls flag football had expanded to more than 100 high schools, with 27 new teams added.
The growing sport will also make its Olympic debut for both women and men in Los Angeles in 2028. With flag football on scene, Lori started researching how young girls could get involved. It was difficult to find anything in South Jersey, so she texted Anthony with the idea to start a league.
“The girls know that they have something for them,” Anthony noted. “We get to do this together and when she (Lori) brought it to me, I just wanted to be 100% supportive and I thought it was a great idea … We just want all the kids to come out, have a great time and be introduced to something new …
“I’m looking forward to seeing it grow from the moment she said she wanted to do it to the point where it is now, and it’s going to keep growing.”
“We just went with it, and we’ve been running with it,” Lori added. “I want this to be a place where girls feel seen, where they feel supported, where it’s inclusive, and where your coach is talking you up and making you believe in yourself. We want coaches that are going to (say), ‘You can do this, and we’re going to push you to show you that you can do this,’ but with love and care …
“It’s not going to be all roses, (but) you’re going to feel confident and you’re going to be good and you’re going to be amazing.”
Players need not live in the township to participate. Games are played on Sunday afternoons at Moorestown High’s stadium. Practices will be held an hour prior to game time.
Players are required to have cleats (soccer or football cleats recommended) and a mouth guard, and must wear athletic clothing. Jerseys, flags and footballs are provided by the league, unless otherwise noted. No experience is required.
For more information or for girls flag football sponsorship opportunities, visit www.njgridirongirls.com.
