About UHSGFA
Our Goal
Girls flag football in high schools is more than just a sport; it is a movement towards greater inclusivity, empowerment, and opportunity for young women. By continuing to support and promote this dynamic and engaging sport, we can ensure that it remains a vital part of the high school athletic landscape for years to come.
Meet the Team
Ryan NeVille, Co-Founder
Luke NeVille, Director of Camps/Clinics
Leland Sparks, Co-Founder
Football has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve played, coached, and spent years around the game, but my perspective truly changed when my
daughter started playing. Seeing firsthand how much football can empower, challenge, and inspire young athletes made me realize just how important it is to create
opportunitie
Football has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’ve played, coached, and spent years around the game, but my perspective truly changed when my
daughter started playing. Seeing firsthand how much football can empower, challenge, and inspire young athletes made me realize just how important it is to create
opportunities for girls to compete in this sport.
Unfortunately, Utah doesn’t offer girls’ high school football like other states do—and we’re here to change. That’s why I co-founded the Utah High School Girls Football
Association. Our mission is to build a competitive platform for female athletes, give them the same opportunities as boys, and show the world that football is for everyone. We’re here to grow the game, fight for recognition, and make sure girls in Utah have a place on the field.
Leland Sparks, Co-Founder
Luke NeVille, Director of Camps/Clinics
Leland Sparks, Co-Founder
As a former football player who was recruited at a young age to play, I believe in establishing a solid foundation for our athletes to grow upon by teaching athletic
fundamentals and developing the skill sets needed to perform at a competitive level. In addition to these building blocks, I promote programs that prioritize good sportsmanshi
As a former football player who was recruited at a young age to play, I believe in establishing a solid foundation for our athletes to grow upon by teaching athletic
fundamentals and developing the skill sets needed to perform at a competitive level. In addition to these building blocks, I promote programs that prioritize good sportsmanship and fair play among our student-athletes, officials, coaches, and parents.
As a football coach since 2000, I’ve worked at Ballard High School as the WR/DB Coach, Central Washington University as the Assistant DB Coach, Bishop Gorman High School as the WR/DB Coach, and at Sierra Vista High School as the WR/ST/DB Coach. I’ve managed all youth sports, activities, and programs for over 5000 participants. I’m looking forward to growing Girls’ Flag football in Utah, to compete locally and nationally
as a sanctioned sport.
Darby NeVille, Executive Director
Luke NeVille, Director of Camps/Clinics
Luke NeVille, Director of Camps/Clinics
After spending more than eight years watching my daughter play flag and tackle football, I’ve become committed to establishing football as a valuable outlet for girls. I’ve
seen firsthand how football helps hundreds of girls find their community and connect with others. As a mother, I’ve watched my daughter grow tremendously in confidence,
After spending more than eight years watching my daughter play flag and tackle football, I’ve become committed to establishing football as a valuable outlet for girls. I’ve
seen firsthand how football helps hundreds of girls find their community and connect with others. As a mother, I’ve watched my daughter grow tremendously in confidence, physical strength, and academically. She’s overcome obstacles playing co-ed tackle,
won two championships, and continues to love playing the game of flag.
I bring over 20 years of experience in administration, human resources, and operations to this organization. My commitment to establishing Girls’ Flag football in Utah as a
sanctioned sport is undeterred and I’m excited to see more girls getting the opportunity to play and connect with each other.
Luke NeVille, Director of Camps/Clinics
Luke NeVille, Director of Camps/Clinics
Luke NeVille, Director of Camps/Clinics
Football has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I played multiple skilled positions all the way up until my junior year of high school. Unfortunately, due to
a career ending injury, I had to retire from the game, but I absolutely loved every second of it. The game gave me confidence, lifelong friendships, and lesson
Football has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I played multiple skilled positions all the way up until my junior year of high school. Unfortunately, due to
a career ending injury, I had to retire from the game, but I absolutely loved every second of it. The game gave me confidence, lifelong friendships, and lessons with opportunities. Those lessons and opportunities still play big roles in my day-to-day life, it’s more than
just a game.
I want to make sure other girls get those same opportunities. As the director, my goal is to grow Girls’ Flag football here in Utah and show the world this sport belongs to them. I’m passionate about creating more teams, more competition, and more recognition for the incredible female athletes playing this game. Whether it’s through building
programs, advocating for the sport, or just sharing my love for football, I’m all in on making this movement happen.