Bradford High Junior Praises Jaguars Girls Flag Preseason Classic Experience

Adriel Rocha Highlights Jaguars' Commitment to Youth Development Through Football

During Presidents Day Weekend, over 1,600 female high school athletes from across Florida gathered at the Miller Electric Center, the Jaguars' sports performance facility, to participate in the Jaguars Girls Flag Preseason Classic and Girls Flag College Showcase. These events have become a significant tradition, marking the start of the Florida high school girl's flag football season for the past three years. The events are organised by Jaguars PREP, a youth development initiative of the Jaguars Foundation, aimed at growing football in Northeast Florida by removing accessibility barriers, promoting health and safety, fostering strong character, and enhancing opportunities for youth and high school athletes.

Each year, the Girls Flag Preseason Classic, presented by Experience Kissimmee, promotes the growth of the game and provides female athletes with an equal opportunity to showcase their skills. Nearly 60 Florida-based teams from regions including Crestview and Orlando participated in the three-day event, marking the largest participation to date and making it the second-largest preseason tournament of its kind in the nation.

Following the Girls Flag Preseason Classic, the 2025 Girls Flag College Showcase took place, featuring high school football athletes from Florida and Georgia. The invite-only event saw a record 165 elite athletes perform agility, position, and 1v1 drills in front of college coaches and scouts, competing for college scholarships. Adriel Rocha, the Jaguars' vice president of community impact and football development, emphasised the team's commitment to providing youth and high school athletes opportunities to showcase their skills and build character through football. He remarked that events like the Girls Preseason Classic and College Showcase aim to create a pipeline of young athletes while offering lasting, memorable experiences.

Arnayshia Griffin, a junior from Bradford High School, described her experience at the Jaguars Girls Flag Preseason Classic as incredible. She mentioned that it helped her team prepare for the season and provided valuable practice. She expressed excitement for future events at the Miller Electric Center and the upcoming flag football season. These events underscore the importance of providing equal opportunities and support for female athletes in the sport of flag football.

Editor's Note:

The recent events at the Jaguars Girls Flag Preseason Classic and Girls Flag College Showcase underscore the growing importance of providing equal opportunities for female athletes in flag football. With over 1,600 participants from across Florida, these events highlight the rising interest and enthusiasm surrounding the sport, particularly among young female athletes. The Jaguars’ dedication to supporting these events demonstrates their commitment to creating pathways for young athletes to showcase their talents in a competitive environment while fostering their personal development. The Jaguars' focus on youth development through initiatives like Jaguars PREP is crucial in nurturing athletic abilities and strong character traits. By providing a platform for athletes to participate in meaningful events, the organization helps create lasting memories and experiences that will impact these young individuals for years to come. 

Skoobuzz emphasises that the Jaguars are making a significant contribution to the growth of flag football and promoting positive community engagement, ensuring that future generations of athletes have the resources and opportunities to thrive both on and off the field.