More than 100 girls filled the field at Palo Alto High School with energy and excitement as Sutter Health, Pro Football Hall of Famer Steve Young and the Forever Young Foundation kicked off the first girl’s youth flag football camp on Saturday, Jan. 31. The event marked a major step forward in expanding youth health, wellness and play opportunities across Northern California.
“It was great to see everyone out here and having fun,” Young said. “Football was made for girls. Girls resonate with the game because at its roots, it’s choreography, timing and tactics. It’s very natural to girls and women. The boys have had this sport for 100 years. It’s the girls’ turn.”
Hosted by Young, the camp welcomed local girls ages 7–14 for a morning of skill-building, movement and mentorship. The camp emphasized teamwork, confidence and joy while helping participants learn the fundamentals of flag football in an inclusive and supportive environment.
“Being back at Palo Alto High School is special for me,” said Dr. Rebecca Fazilat, Sutter pediatrician and Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group Board Chair. “It was incredible to see everyone at the flag football camp. Today, there are more doors open for women than ever before, and that is exciting progress.”
The event underscored a shared commitment between Sutter Health and the Forever Young Foundation to help young athletes grow through positive, community-based experiences. Volunteers, coaches and mentors worked alongside the girls, encouraging physical activity and reinforcing lessons in resilience, leadership and belonging.
The partnership with Sutter Health, Steve Young and the Forever Young Foundation is rooted in the belief that prevention begins in childhood, when physical, cognitive and emotional development set the foundation for lifelong health. By creating safe, joyful opportunities for kids to move and play, the collaboration aims to build healthy habits, emotional resilience and meaningful social connections.
The camp also built on a longstanding relationship between Sutter Health and Young, which includes projects such as Sophie’s Place and Forever Young Zones in pediatric care settings. Through initiatives like youth flag football and other inclusive wellness programs, the partnership continues to expand access to health-promoting opportunities for young people throughout Northern California.
