STANDISH, Maine – Saint Joseph's College of Maine will host a Women's Flag Football Kickoff Event on Saturday, October 17, welcoming former New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer and approximately 150 youth athletes for an afternoon celebrating the sport's growth in Maine.

The event will bring 18 teams from Maine Girls Flag Football to the SJC Athletics Complex, with games scheduled from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. Teams will play four games at a time throughout the afternoon. The event is open to the public, and admission is free.

Players and coaches will gather at midfield at 1:50 PM for opening remarks from Saint Joseph's College President Joe Cassidy and women's flag football head coach Kayla Pierce, followed by introductions of Hoyer and Patriots staff members.

The event brings together young athletes from across Maine as Saint Joseph's prepares to launch the state's first varsity women's flag football program at an NCAA institution. The Monks will begin competition in spring 2028, with Pierce overseeing recruiting, scheduling and program development ahead of the inaugural season. Women's flag football will become the College's 21st varsity sport.

Hoyer spent 15 seasons in the NFL, including eight seasons across several stints with the Patriots, and earned a Super Bowl ring with New England's 2018 team. He also helped lead the Houston Texans to the AFC South title as their starting quarterback in 2015. Hoyer finished his career with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023, totaling 10,899 passing yards and 53 touchdown passes in 79 games, including 41 starts.

Founded in 2020, Maine Girls Flag Football is the state's oldest and largest all-girls flag football league, serving more than 160 athletes across elementary school, middle school and high school divisions. Affiliated with USA Football, the league combines instruction and competition with opportunities for players to develop confidence, leadership and teamwork.

The Patriots have also committed to donating flag football equipment for use by local girls flag football organizations or at future clinics on campus.

Portland Pie will have a food truck on campus from 2:00 to 6:00 PM.

EVENT AT A GLANCE

Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026

Location: SJC Athletics Complex (Standish, Maine)

Opening gathering: 1:50 PM

Flag football games: 2:00–6:00 PM

Participants: 18 teams and approximately 150 elementary through high school age athletes

Special guest: Former New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer, accompanied by Patriots staff members

Food truck: Portland Pie, 2:00–6:00 PM