New Partnership Between SMSC and Minnesota Vikings to Introduce Native Youth to Flag Football
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC)’s IndigeFit Kids campaign and the Minnesota Vikings are pleased to announce a new grantmaking partnership to expand flag football programs in Minnesota’s Native American communities.
Flag football has become one the fastest-growing sports in the United States. The Minnesota Vikings have held a significant role in the introduction of flag football curriculum into schools, and their partnership with the SMSC will help advance the sport in Native communities across Minnesota.
“Working alongside incredible partners like the Minnesota Vikings, IndigeFit Kids is focused on giving our Native youth more resources to lead active, healthy lives,” said SMSC Secretary/Treasurer Ashley J. Cornforth, co-chair of the IndigeFit Kids campaign.
IndigeFit Kids and the Vikings will provide grants to schools that serve Native youth in Minnesota for flag football curriculum adoption and high school girls team formation:
*Flag-In-Schools kits: Elementary schools and Native youth organizations can request free equipment and curriculum to adopt the NFL’s Flag-In-Schools program.
*High school girls team formation: Grants and equipment donations, promotional support, coaching resources, and opportunities for experiential benefits are available to high schools serving Native youth to start a high school girls flag football team in spring 2026. Click here to apply for a high school girls flag grant. Grant applications are due October 17!
If you are interested in flag football for your organization or to request a Flag-In-Schools kit, please contact: Joe Rush, Director of Youth and High School Football (rushj@vikings.nfl.net), and Emily Weinberg, Youth and High School Football Coordinator (weinberge@vikings.nfl.net).
About IndigeFit Kids
IndigeFit Kids is a philanthropic campaign of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) to support the health and well-being of Native youth in Minnesota. By prioritizing physical activity and healthy lifestyles, we’re on a mission to empower young people to build strong bodies and minds.