Football British Columbia is officially launching a female football program in the province. 

Starting with a series of girls' skills camps aimed at promoting participation in tackle and flag football, the camps will also serve as the selection process for the inaugural BC U18 Girls Tackle Football Team, which will represent the entire province at the Football Canada U18 national tournament. 

An "exciting first for British Columbia," according to a release posted to social media, Football BC says it is building a Pathway for Girls in Football program with a mission to grow the sport and create opportunities for female athletes. The upcoming girls' skills camps 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ” led by the Canadian Football League's first female coach, Tanya Hendersen 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ” will provide players aged 13-17 with professional coaching in flag and tackle football.

Athletes who participate will develop skills in passing, catching, blocking and tackling, while also learning about teamwork, leadership and strategies of the game.

To support the younger athletes, a U15 female showcase is being planned for Vancouver Island as well as the Lower Mainland, with the British Columbia Provincial Football Association collaborating the White Rock South Surrey Titans and Ladysmith Steelers Football to host teams to compete against one another in March, both on the Lower Mainland and on the island, the BCPFA release notes. The six-a-side tackle showcase is for female athletes born 2011-2013.

The U18 skills clinics are set to start Jan. 18 in Langley, with further dates scheduled on the island, Vernon and on Feb. 15 in Surrey.

"This is a monumental step forward for girls' football in British Columbia," said Football British Columbia's president Kevin Parks. 

"We're not just teaching football skills, we're creating opportunities and building a community where girls can thrive in the sport they love."

Once established, the provincial U18 female team will compete at the U18 Female Tackle Nationals hosted in Calgary by Football Canada and Football Alberta.

For more information or to register, visit the BCPFA at

Registration is also now open for the WRSS Titans' regular flag football season for boys and girls ages U8 to U19.

Visit the Titans at