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Rams, Nike and USA Football Fuel Growth of Girls Flag Football at Woodland Hills Clinic

WOODLAND HILLS — The Los Angeles Rams continued their commitment to community engagement and youth development, partnering with Nike and USA Football to host a girls flag football clinic at the team’s training facility.

By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer

WOODLAND HILLS — The Los Angeles Rams continued their commitment to community engagement and youth development, partnering with Nike and USA Football to host a girls flag football clinic at the team’s training facility.

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, nearly 300 young athletes — mostly girls ages 8 to 18 — filled the field with energy and enthusiasm. Participants rotated through drills, sharpened their techniques, and embraced a competitive yet supportive atmosphere that highlighted the rapid growth of girls flag football across Southern California.

Reese Paxon – (L) from Carlsbad, CA, and Grace Valkoff of Long Beach share a moment and USA-RAMS Flag clinic.
Photos – Earl Heath

Building Skills — and Confidence

Among the standout athletes was 14-year-old Matty Phillips of Cerritos, whose speed and athleticism set her apart during drills. Beyond her performance, Phillips also connected with fellow campers, embodying the spirit of teamwork that defined the event.

“Everyone here is so encouraging, so intense, and it’s a competitive atmosphere,” she said.

That sense of camaraderie was evident throughout the clinic. Players who had just met cheered each other on, forming quick bonds rooted in shared passion for the game.

“Everyone is so encouraging here,” said Grace Valkoff, 16, of Long Beach. “It feels like all of them are your teammates.”

Some of the best female athletes, like #108 in So CAL, came to the RAMS facility
Photo – Earl Heath

Creating a Pipeline for the Future

For Rams officials, the clinic was about more than just a day of football — it was about building a sustainable future for girls in the sport.

“It’s wonderful to see how excited the girls are to play football,” said Noel Grigsby, the Rams’ coordinator of social justice and football development. “We’re committed to creating a pipeline for girls’ flag football by growing interest across the region and developing strategies to sustain participation.”

To support that mission, the Rams assembled a coaching staff that blended local ties with high-level experience. Trayjuan Briggs, a Birmingham High School graduate and former University of New Mexico graduate assistant, worked closely with participants on fundamentals and teamwork.

“They’re learning the basics and working together as a team,” Briggs said. “They also have a chance to try out for the national team, which is a huge opportunity.”

Campers #342 and #18 – take a timeout for laughs during workouts. They are part of USA Football, and the Rams hosted elite talent ID camps to identify top female players for the U.S. National Team at the LA RAMS training facility in Woodland Hills.
Photo – Earl Heath

Representation Matters

The presence of experienced athletes added inspiration for many of the young players. Among them was Amber Clark-Robinson, a member of the USA Women’s Flag Football National Team.

A native of Greenville, North Carolina, Clark-Robinson was a multi-sport standout at South Central High School, excelling in track and field, basketball and volleyball. She helped secure three state titles in the 4×400 relay and led her basketball team to a state championship, becoming the school’s all-time assist leader.

“I used to watch football games with my brothers,” she said. “That helped draw me to the game.”

Now, she’s helping lead the next generation.

“I can tell by today’s attendance there will be several girls following me,” Clark-Robinson said. “The game has grown so much, and girls love being involved.”

Clark-Robinson’s impact extends beyond the clinic field. She played a key role in Team USA’s success at the 2023 IFAF Americas Continental Flag Football Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she recorded five interceptions in six games — including the game-sealing play in a 26–21 win over Mexico.

“I love playing for my country,” she said.

A Growing Movement

The clinic reflects a broader movement as girls flag football continues to gain recognition at the high school and national levels. Events like this not only introduce young athletes to the sport but also provide visible role models and tangible pathways for advancement.

With strong community partnerships and growing participation, the Rams and their partners are helping ensure that girls flag football is not just a moment — but a movement with lasting impact.