CHICAGO (WLS) — A flag football camp in Chicago is dedicated exclusively to empowering young girls through sports.

The camp offers more than just athletic training; it fosters mentorship, promotes connection, and uplifts participants.

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On Saturday morning, over 150 girls converged at the Pullman Community Center, participating in the Concrete Rose 773 flag football camp located on Chicago’s Far South Side.

“Flag football is rapidly gaining popularity,” remarked Darrin Cotton Jr., the founder and executive director of Concrete Rose 773. “Some of these girls are showcasing impressive skills.”

This marks the second occasion that the nonprofit has organized this free event, welcoming girls interested in flag football from varying skill levels around the Chicagoland area and even from Wisconsin.

“I believe females can achieve anything,” shared participant Anya Holt. “The sport not only strengthens you physically but also mentally. It requires constant thinking, both on and off the field.”

Through the guidance of coaches, the girls do drills, from catching to tackling.

“I love the station work we get tor work on individual skills, defense, offense,” participant Molly O’Hara said. “I am meeting so many new people, and I think that is so important for growing in the game.”

“We try to teach them about life skills in general whether that’s teamwork, taking coaching, understanding coaching and then the fundamentals that translate outside of the playing area,” Cotton Jr. said.

The event is also meant to empower them, and give them the confidence to play at the collegiate level.

“I did just recently get four offers to play at four different colleges, and that’s a big deal for me,” Holt said. “I can really play this at the next level.”