The new school year brings the inaugural season of girls flag football in Prince George’s County Public Schools, and the Washington Commanders are helping the young athletes take the field in style.

The Burgundy and Gold provided new Nike uniforms for all the teams.

“Everybody’s really excited,” CMIT South High School quarterback Anabel Washington said.

She and her teammates are ready to hit the gridiron in their new gear.

“It feels amazing to see, like, teams that we really look up to really pour into us, because I know we’ll all be watching the game on Sunday and rooting for them, so it’s just amazing to have them do this for us,” Washington said.

The Commanders hosted an NFL-style media day at Oxon Hill High School Thursday, and the 13 teams in attendance got professional photos.

“The traditional sports that weren’t afforded to them are now right there in front of them,” PGCPS Supervisor of Interscholastic Athletics Brian Moore said. “So, they are taking advantage of these opportunities, and what it means to them is to bring some school spirit to their school. To take it a step further and maybe get scholarships.”

All 26 teams in the school district got new fits and equipment as part of the Commanders’ seven-figure commitment to girls flag football programs across the DMV.

In addition to the jerseys, the athletes also got a chance to sit down with Washington legend Brian Mitchell for a Q&A.

“I’m excited for these young ladies to be getting this opportunity here,” he said. “And you know, I think, I’m really thankful that we have an ownership group now that believes in it. They’re not just talking; they’re putting their money where their mouth is.”

This is the first time many of the athletes have played flag football.

“It’s their first year playing together, so my biggest thing is for them to be together,” CMIT South head coach Tavon Cooke said. “It’s a football team; it’s a team, so it’s no ‘I.’ So, I’m just letting them know, if they gel together, we can make something happen.”

Washington said she’s already learning valuable lessons she will carry off the field.

“Barbecue or mildew. That’s what my coach says a lot,” she said. “So, you’ve got to want it and you’ve got to put in the work. You don’t have to do it the best the first time, but as long as you’re trying and putting in that work, that’s all that matters.”

The first official games of the flag football season are Tuesday.