LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ – When the Linden Tigers Girls Varsity Flag Football team storms onto the field at Tiger Stadium on Wednesday, March 26, at 4 PM, they won’t just be chasing victory—they’ll be making history.

𝙒𝙚𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝 26

🕓 4:00 𝙋𝙈 𝙆𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙤𝙛𝙛

📍 𝙏𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙪𝙢, 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡

🏈 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙏𝙞𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙫𝙨. 𝙆𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡

𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙩—𝘽𝙀 𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙀 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙩!

With every snap, sprint, and touchdown, these trailblazers will usher in a new era for Linden Athletics, proving that the roar of the Tigers knows no limits—and neither does the future of girls' sports.

Linden joins a growing list of New Jersey high schools pioneering girls flag football as part of a pilot program under the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA), with plans for full sanctioning by 2026. Competing against teams like Kent Place and Colonia, the Tigers are stepping into a new frontier of high school athletics, where speed, strategy, and skill take center stage.

Guiding this historic squad is Boys’ Varsity Football Coach Albert Chiola, bringing experience, leadership, and passion to the program as the girls prepare to take the field for the first time.

The Tigers are ready to make their mark. The stage is set. Linden, it’s time to roar!

𝘼 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙏𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮

What started as a conversation within the Linden Public Schools community has transformed into one of the most highly anticipated athletic debuts in the district’s history. With girls flag football rapidly emerging as one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, Linden wasted no time in ensuring its student-athletes had a front-row seat to the future of the game.

"This is more than just the launch of a new sport—it’s a movement," said Athletic Director Mike Firestone, who has been instrumental in bringing girls flag football to Linden. "This team is breaking barriers, setting the standard, and proving that football isn’t just for the boys. It’s an exciting time for our athletes, our community, and the future of Linden Athletics."

The excitement is undeniable. When tryouts were announced, 56 student-athletes laced up their cleats and hit the field, eager to be part of the program’s first-ever roster. However, with only a varsity team in the inaugural season, tough decisions had to be made.

"Most schools only have a varsity squad right now," Firestone explained. "With seven players on the field at a time, even with a 25-player roster, we knew some talented girls would have to wait for more opportunities. That’s why I’m already planning for a JV team next year—we want to build this program for the long haul."

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

The Tigers’ first-ever scrimmage against Colonia provided a glimpse of the talent, determination, and competitive fire they’ll bring to the field. Now, all eyes are on March 26, when Linden takes on Kent Place in what promises to be an electrifying home opener.

"It’s going to be a learning experience for everyone—players, coaches, even the referees," Firestone noted. "But that’s what makes it exciting. We’re all building something new together.”

Superintendent Atiya Y. Perkins echoed that enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of opportunity and empowerment in Linden’s student-athletes.

"We are committed to providing opportunities that empower our students to exemplify our R.O.A.R. initiative, and the launch of our Girls Varsity Flag Football team is a testament to building resilience, opportunities, achievement, and relationships," Perkins said. "I couldn’t be prouder of these athletes and the incredible journey they are embarking on."

𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖 𝙂𝙖𝙢𝙚—𝘼 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩

The Tigers have been grinding on the practice field, refining plays, building chemistry, and embracing the challenge of launching a brand-new program. But this isn’t just about one game—it’s about creating a lasting legacy.

"March 26 isn’t just a game—it’s history," Firestone emphasized. "We want the entire Linden community to show up, fill the stands, and be part of this unforgettable moment."

The countdown is on. The Tigers are ready. Are you?