Under bright Friday afternoon skies at Virginia Union University, whistles blew and flags flew as history unfolded with the school’s first CIAA Flag Football Roundup.

  

Eight teams from the CIAA took the field, with games beginning at 1 p.m. The matchups were held at Hovey Field and the grass field next to Barco-Stevens Hall. Four games were scheduled for Saturday on the campus. According to reports, the inaugural season is considered intramural competition for the participating teams.

“The opportunity to not only expand, but giving young women the opportunity to be at the forefront of the expansion and provide another phenomenal competitive opportunity is one we’re proud to offer,” said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams-Parker.

“We’re also incredibly grateful for the NFL’s role in providing all the necessary assistance to help grow this sport throughout the nation at all levels.”

Women’s flag football features an average roster size of 25 players, with games played in a 7-on-7 format. Each contest consisted of four 12-minute quarters on an 80-by-40-yard field.