Championing Equitable Opportunity Through Girls’ Flag Football

Authored by: Caitlyn Ranson, Senior Manager, Partnership Marketing, Bridgestone Americas

I can’t stop thinking about an incredible moment I recently witnessed for women’s sports.  

When Bridgestone and our partners at the Los Angeles Rams hosted more than 60 high school girls’ flag football teams for an inaugural Girls’ Flag Football Jamboree, a record 1,000 student-athletes from across Southern California came together to celebrate the first year of Girls’ Flag being a sanctioned sport in the state.  

It highlighted for me, in so many ways, that creating equitable access to opportunity and participation is what really matters. 

Inspiring the Next Generation 

During the Jamboree, I took part in a ‘Women in Business’ panel alongside some incredible female leaders within the Rams organization to discuss the positive impact sports can have on a young woman’s future. For me, it was a special opportunity to show girls that if you can see it, you can be it. Throughout my career, including at Bridgestone, I’ve had the opportunity to work with and receive mentorship from smart and passionate female leaders who have empowered me to grow, contribute and lead. But what shaped my path early on was something that may seem quite different at first glance: sports. Sports gave me the confidence, perseverance and work ethic that I apply every day in my own career, and I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn’t for that experience. 

The Power of Sports 

We believe sports have the power to excite, inspire, and empower people across all borders, backgrounds and abilities, and the Jamboree was an excellent reminder of their impact. When barriers are removed and equitable access to opportunity is provided, truly amazing things can happen.  

Alongside the Rams and other NFL partners, Bridgestone aims to create a world where the next generation, particularly young women, are encouraged, empowered, and celebrated – and I am a testament to the fact that sports are central to reaching that goal. The opportunity to participate in sports like Girls’ Flag provides real skills for the real world and inspires girls from all walks of life to dream big, set ambitious goals and chase their passions. Our partnership with the Rams reflects Bridgestone’s belief in equality, empowerment and the limitless potential of every girl, no matter their circumstance. And it’s why I’m proud to be #TeamBridgestone. 

This Is Just the Beginning 

We want to serve communities where we move, live, work and play – whether through donation of football equipment packs, collaborative community engagement with inspiring athletes, or sponsorship of events like the Jamboree. With Girls’ Flag still in its infancy, being a sanctioned sport in California will open doors for so many young women and I’m excited to watch the sport grow. I hope all the girls felt just as inspired as I did when leaving the field at the Jamboree. More specifically, I hope they are inspired to continue their journey in sports. They may not know it now, but they are building transferrable life skills that will take them far, on and off the field.  

Thank you to Bridgestone, the LA Rams and everyone involved in making the inaugural Jamboree a success. We look forward to continuing to champion the limitless potential of girls in Southern California and beyond – because that’s what really matters.