LISTEN: High school flag football player Leila Sussex says House Resolution 347, which encourages schools to start flag football programs for girls, helps her feel supported. GPB's Sarah Kallis reports.

Players and officials

Lawmakers, flag football players, and sports officials pose for a photo at Mercedes-Benz stadium Thursday.

Credit: Sarah Kallis/GPB News

Georgia lawmakers and athletic leaders gathered at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday to spread the word about a girls' sport that's growing in popularity. 

Lawmakers presented House Resolution 347, adopted this year, that encourages schools to start flag football programs for girls. The resolution is the first of its kind in the country.

Leila Essex plays flag football at Lithia Springs High School.

“It's amazing that girls are getting the chance to really showcase their talents as much as, you know, the boys are, because I feel like girls' teams are overlooked," she said. "So I'm just really glad that we have this opportunity to showcase our talents. It means a lot to me."

267 high schools around the state have established girls' flag football programs, and the Arthur Blank Foundation has given $2 million this year in grants to many Georgia schools to establish programs.

Tags: Georgia  sports  GPB Sports  Flag Football  girls sports  Football  High School Sports