Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) will soon see a Women’s Flag Football team. The UIS has also appointed the Head Coach position to Colin Wood.

Wood spoke on the WTAX Morning Newswatch about his experience so far, and the potential growth of this new sport.

“The energy has been really great. Everyone talks about how this could be something that grows in the community. being able to branch out to some of the local high schools and make this sport larger than it is right now. Our programs will work with Not for profits and local elementary schools. I think that just helps build the team up. It’s not just focused on the team going out there and winning every day it’s how we can impact the community and really engulf ourselves in the UIS” Wood said.

Flag football is also making its debut at the Olympics. Wood also spoke on what might be making this sport so popular. “I think that the non-contact piece of it, and the ability to play it with less equipment even. I watched a docuseries on it and as its going into the Olympics, now all these countries get to participate. When you compare men’s football to other countries, The United States really dominates them. I think that allows for more people to have the opportunity to play, and now its even going to be in the Olympics.” Stated Wood

Wood’s main appeal to becoming the head coach stemmed from back when he was younger. “Being in that head coach position was always a dream of mine, I never thought it would maybe be in flag football but here we are. UIS is super supportive, being able to be located in the capitol if Illinois is really cool. Coming back to home was important to me and my family. Building this program from new, right now we have nobody on the roster, and that’s not normal.  So that’s exciting and I think that where we get to play our games was also something that’s extremely attractive.” Wood commented.

The program is said to begin recruiting student-athletes for the fall of 2026 ahead of an inaugural spring 2027 season.

UIS plans to host home games at Scheels Sports Park in Springfield, providing a central, accessible venue for fans and families to enjoy the new program.