The NFL and the Minnesota Vikings are investing heavily in women's flag football. The league has set a goal to make girls' flag football an official high school sport across the country.

"NFL Flag 50" is the initiative from the league that's gaining momentum. Fourteen states have already made it happen, and the Vikings are working hard to bring it to Minnesota high schools.

While they continue to work on the high schools, the Minnesota Vikings have made significant progress with Midwest colleges. It was announced today that the team is helping launch a new collegiate women's flag football league.

They're teaming up with six NCAA schools in and around Minnesota. The lineup includes Augustana University (over in Sioux Falls, South Dakota), Concordia College, Gustavus Adolphus College, Bethel University, the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, and the University of Wisconsin, Stout.

The teams will compete in jamborees on Saturday, April 5th at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, and on April 12th at the University of Wisconsin, Stout.

The inaugural season will conclude with a championship tournament at the Vikings' TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota, on Saturday, April 26th.

The Vikings and the NFL are contributing $140,000 to help support the league and the schools get the first season underway.

Vikings Youth & High School Football Manager Joe Rush said in a press release, "This expands the opportunity pipeline for young women and provides a clear pathway for them to continue playing beyond high school."