Los Angeles Chargers Host 2nd Annual Bolts on the Beach Tournament

Participants showcasing their skills in the girls flag football tournament organized by the Chargers.

News Summary

The Los Angeles Chargers, in partnership with Gatorade, successfully hosted the 2nd annual Bolts on the Beach girls flag football tournament in Huntington Beach. Over 500 athletes participated in the event, which showcased competitions in four divisions for young female athletes. Chargers safety Alohi Gilman recognized the champions, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to promoting female sports participation. Planning for future tournaments is already underway, reflecting the growing interest and support for girls’ flag football in Southern California.

Huntington Beach, California – The Los Angeles Chargers, in collaboration with Gatorade, successfully hosted the 2nd annual Bolts on the Beach girls flag football tournament, which drew participation from over 500 athletes across 42 teams representing Southern California. The event took place over the weekend at 11th Street Beach Park, celebrating the growth and enthusiasm surrounding girls’ flag football.

The tournament showcased a competitive spirit among young female athletes, including competitions across four divisions: 10U, 12U, 14U, and High School. Chargers safety Alohi Gilman attended the event, taking part in the awards ceremony to recognize the champions of each division. This celebration drew attention to the ongoing efforts to foster female participation in sports and offered a platform for aspiring athletes to showcase their talents.

This year marked a significant increase from the inaugural Bolts on the Beach tournament held in 2024, which featured only 24 teams and 250 participants. The positive reception of the event highlighted the growing interest in girls’ flag football and the commitment of the Chargers to support women in sports. Champions were crowned in divisions 10U, 13U, 15U, and 17U at that initial event, setting a strong foundation for future tournaments.

Following this year’s tournament, plans for the next Bolts on the Beach Flag Football Tournament are already in place, slated for Wednesday, January 3, 2025, at the same venue. Another event is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2025, indicating the Chargers’ dedication to creating ongoing opportunities for young female athletes to engage in competitive flag football.

In addition to the Bolts on the Beach event, the Chargers emphasized their commitment to community engagement through various initiatives. Throughout the offseason, defensive players have participated in events aimed at aiding the community, including hospital visits and supporting local cancer charities. For instance, Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker participated in the 13th annual Tour de Pier on May 18, 2025, raising funds for cancer research.

The Chargers also expressed gratitude towards their partners, Females in Flag Orange County and Beach City Sports, for their support in organizing and executing the tournament. The teamwork involved in this event illustrates a unified effort to empower female athletes and promote a positive sporting culture.

The Bolts on the Beach tournament aligns with the Chargers’ broader strategy to support youth sports in the Los Angeles area. The organization has been proactive in conducting flag football camps and tournaments, fostering an environment where young athletes can thrive both on and off the field. This dedication aims not only to enhance the skills of young female players but also to inspire them to pursue sports with passion and perseverance.

As girls’ flag football continues to grow in popularity, initiatives like the Bolts on the Beach tournament serve as significant milestones in the journey toward equality in athletics. The Chargers remain steadfast in their mission to encourage female athletes to break barriers and establish their presence in football, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to participate in this dynamic sport.

The success of the Bolts on the Beach tournament signals a bright future for girls’ flag football, reinforcing a commitment to community, empowerment, and sport among young female athletes across Southern California.