Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young, renowned for his storied career with the San Francisco 49ers, is making waves far beyond the gridiron. On January 31, 2026, Young teamed up with Sutter Health and his Forever Young Foundation to launch the inaugural girls' youth flag football camp at Palo Alto High School. This vibrant event drew over 100 energetic girls aged 7-14, marking a pivotal moment in promoting youth health, wellness, and inclusive sports across Northern California.
The Dawn of Girls' Flag Football in Northern California
The camp buzzed with excitement as participants filled the field, learning flag football fundamentals in a supportive atmosphere. Unlike traditional tackle football, flag football emphasizes speed, strategy, and non-contact play, making it an ideal entry point for young girls. Young, who won three Super Bowls and earned MVP honors in Super Bowl XXIX, shared his passion for the sport's accessibility. "Football was made for girls," Young enthused. "Girls resonate with the game because at its roots, it’s choreography, timing, and tactics. It’s very natural to girls and women. The boys have had this sport for 100 years. It’s the girls’ turn."
Hosted from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the morning session focused on skill-building drills, movement exercises, and mentorship. Coaches and volunteers guided the girls through passing, catching, and defensive techniques, all while fostering teamwork and confidence. The event's inclusive design ensured every participant felt empowered, highlighting the joy of play as a cornerstone of physical and emotional development.
A Personal Touch from Palo Alto Roots
For Dr. Rebecca Fazilat, a Sutter pediatrician and Chair of the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group Board, the location held special significance. "Being back at Palo Alto High School is special for me," she said. "It was incredible to see everyone at the flag football camp. Today, there are more doors open for women than ever before, and that is exciting progress." Fazilat's involvement underscores the event's role in bridging community health with athletic opportunities, aligning with Sutter Health's mission to nurture lifelong wellness from childhood.
Partnership Powering Youth Empowerment
This initiative stems from a robust collaboration between Sutter Health, Steve Young, and the Forever Young Foundation. The foundation, established by Young in 1992, has long championed education, health, and opportunity for underserved youth. Past projects include Sophie's Place, a child advocacy center, and Forever Young Zones in pediatric care settings—spaces designed to spark creativity and healing.
Sutter Health's involvement amplifies these efforts, leveraging its expertise in community health and preventive care. The partnership believes that "prevention begins in childhood," when physical activity lays the groundwork for cognitive and emotional growth. By hosting camps like this, they aim to combat sedentary lifestyles, build resilience, and forge social connections. As cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S.—claiming over 680,000 lives in 2024—early interventions like flag football promote heart health, fitness, and mental well-being.
The event's success builds on broader Sutter Health initiatives, such as sponsoring the San Francisco Half Marathon and advancing early detection in cardiovascular care. These programs collectively expand access to wellness, from diet and fitness to integrated health networks, ensuring Northern California's youth thrive.
Broader Impact on Girls' Sports and Health
Girls' participation in sports has surged in recent years, yet barriers like access and cultural norms persist. Flag football, now an emerging Olympic sport, offers a safe, engaging alternative. Studies show that active girls develop stronger leadership skills, lower rates of anxiety, and better academic performance. Young's camp addresses these needs head-on, creating joyful spaces where girls can "move and play" without pressure.
Volunteers and mentors played a crucial role, reinforcing lessons in belonging and perseverance. One young participant shared, "I felt like a real athlete today—it's fun and I want to keep playing!" Such testimonials highlight the camp's potential to inspire lasting habits. As Northern California grapples with rising youth mental health challenges, initiatives like this provide vital outlets for expression and community.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum
The January 31 camp is just the beginning. Sutter Health and the Forever Young Foundation plan to expand girls' flag football programs, integrating them into school curricula and community centers. This aligns with national trends, where organizations like the NFL are pushing for gender equity in sports. Young's vision? To level the playing field, ensuring girls enjoy the same transformative benefits boys have for generations.
In a post-pandemic world, where childhood obesity affects one in five U.S. kids, these efforts are timely. By prioritizing play, the partnership fosters not just athletic prowess but holistic health—encompassing bone and joint care, mental health, and social bonds. As Young reflected, "It was great to see everyone out here and having fun." Fun, indeed, is the gateway to a healthier future.
For more on Sutter Health's youth programs or upcoming events, visit their community health resources. This collaboration proves that legends like Steve Young aren't retiring from making a difference—they're just changing the game.
