Flag Football in New York State: Leagues, Schools & Community Games

 

Welcome to the Flag Football Resource Center (FFRC), your online destination for everything related to the sport of flag football in New York State. In this blog post, we will give you an overview of the leagues, schools, and community groups playing flag football in the state. Whether you are a parent or a player, a beginner or a veteran, we hope you will find something useful and interesting here. Thank you for reading our blog and supporting our website.

If you wish to add your game to our list, please email us at info@flagfootball.com and we will be happy to include it. Now, let’s get started with the introduction to flag football in New York State .   ~Coach Mike & The Team

 

Long Island

If you are looking for a fun and competitive way to play flag football in Long Island, New York, you might want to check out the Long Island Flag Football League (LIFFL).

The LIFFL has been running since 1984, and has grown to become one of the largest and most respected flag football leagues in the country. The LIFFL organizes various seasons and tournaments throughout the year, both on weekdays and weekends, on fields across Nassau and Suffolk counties. The LIFFL also partners with the NFL Flag program to provide a safe and fun environment for kids to learn the game of football.

Here are some of the highlights of the LIFFL:

– The Spring  season and Super Bowl Sunday 5-on-5 tournament registration has begun. You can choose to play on Sunday, March 17th or 24th, depending on your preference. The Spring Sunday Adult league offers a guaranteed 9 game season, with 8 regular season games and playoffs for everyone. You can choose between 8-man (open hand blocking) or 5-man (no blocking) divisions, based on your ability level. The registration fee is $900 for 8-man teams and $625 for 5-man teams. You can also register as an individual player if you don’t have a team.
– The Super Bowl Sunday Event is a one-day 5-man tournament that will take place on February 11th. The games will start at 8:00 AM and finish before the NFL Super Bowl kickoff. The registration fee is $300 per team, and there will be cash prizes for the winners.
– The LIFFL also celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, and has inducted four new members into its Hall of Fame: Matt Bonanno, Eric Kaufman, Ahmad Abdallah, and Jeff Kruska. You can read more about their achievements and contributions to the league on the website.
– The LIFFL website also features a list of the current top teams in each division, as well as the latest league news and updates. You can also find links to other flag football resources, such as the American Flag Football League (AFFL), the International Flag Football Federation (IFFF), and the National Flag Football Association (NFFA).

If you are interested in joining the LIFFL, you can register online at https://liffl.com/ or contact them by phone or email:

Phone (Youth League & Adult League): (516) 286-2776
Phone (Adult League Only): (631) 897-0767
Email: liffl2@aol.com

 

Hudson Valley

– Old Skewl Sports is an organization that runs and facilitates the NFL FLAG program, which is the premier youth flag football league for boys and girls ages 4-17.

Old Skewl Sports offers both recreational and competitive flag football leagues in four locations: Middletown, Port Jervis/Huguenot, Goshen and Liberty. Players are organized into teams based on age groups, schools, experience and friend requests (when possible). Each league has a 7-game season that starts in the spring.

To register for a league, you can visit their website at https://www.oldskewlsports.com/ and choose the location that suits you best. The registration fee is $135 per player, which includes an NFL FLAG jersey, flag belt and insurance. The registration deadline is February 29th for most leagues, except for the all-girls middle school and high school divisions, which have a deadline of February 23rd.

Old Skewl Sports also has elite and travel teams that compete in regional and national tournaments. Some of their teams have won the regional tournaments hosted by the Atlanta Falcons, the New England Patriots and the Washington Commanders, and earned their bid to the NFL FLAG National Championships at the Pro Bowl 2024 in Orlando, Florida. These teams are coached by experienced and qualified staff who help the players develop their skills and teamwork.

If you want to learn more about Old Skewl Sports, you can contact them by email at oldskewlsports@gmail.com or by phone at (845) 699-5426. You can also visit their website at https://www.oldskewlsports.com/ to see their highlights, upcoming events, field status and referee registration.

– The Hudson Valley Flag Football League (HVFFL) is a coed adult league that plays on Sundays from April to June and from September to November at various locations in Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties. The league has four divisions: A, B, C and D, based on skill level and experience. The registration fee is $75 per player or $750 per team of 10 players. You can register online at https://www.hvffl.com/ or contact hvffl@yahoo.com for more information.

– The Hudson Valley Sportsdome Flag Football League (HVSFFL) is a youth league that plays on Saturdays from September to November at the Hudson Valley Sportsdome in Milton, NY. The league has four age groups: 6-8, 9-11, 12-14 and 15-17. The registration fee is $125 per player or $1,000 per team of 10 players. You can register online at https://www.hudsonvalleysportsdome.com/flag-football or contact info@hudsonvalleysportsdome.com for more information.

– The Hudson Valley Flag Football Association (HVFFA) is a men’s league that plays on Sundays from April to June and from September to November at various locations in Dutchess, Orange and Ulster counties. The league has two divisions: Competitive and Recreational, based on skill level and experience. The registration fee is $100 per player or $1,000 per team of 10 players. You can register online at https://www.hvffa.com/ or contact hvffa@gmail.com for more information.

– The Philipstown Recreation Department offers a coed youth flag football program for grades K-6 in the fall season at the Philipstown Park in Cold Spring, NY. The program runs from September to November and costs $40 per player. You can register online at https://philipstown.recdesk.com/Community/Program or contact recreation@philipstown.com for more information.

– The Beacon Recreation Department offers a coed youth flag football program for grades K-6 in the fall season at Memorial Park in Beacon, NY. The program runs from September to November and costs $50 per player. You can register online at https://beaconny.myrec.com/info/default.aspx or contact recreation@cityofbeacon.org for more information.

– The Newburgh YMCA offers a coed youth flag football program for ages 5-12 in the fall season at Delano-Hitch Park in Newburgh, NY. The program runs from September to November and costs $65 per player for YMCA members or $85 per player for non-members. You can register online at https://ymcaulster.org/programs/youth-sports/flag-football/ or contact sports@ymcaulster.org for more information.

– The Arlington High School Flag Football Club is a coed club that plays on Wednesdays after school at Arlington High School in Lagrangeville, NY. The club is open to students in grades 9-12 and is free to join. You can contact arlingtonflagfootball@gmail.com for more information.

– The Cornwall Central High School Flag Football Club is a coed club that plays on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school at Cornwall Central High School in New Windsor, NY. The club is open to students in grades 9-12 and is free to join. You can contact cchsflagfootball@gmail.com for more information.

– The Poughkeepsie High School Flag Football Club is a coed club that plays on Mondays and Fridays after school at Poughkeepsie High School in Poughkeepsie, NY. The club is open to students in grades 9-12 and is free to join. You can contact phsflagfootball@gmail.com for more information.

Buffalo

If you love flag football and want to compete with teams from the US and Canada, you might be interested in the Buffalo Flag Football Tournament. This is a one-day event hosted by Sahlen’s Sports Park in Buffalo, NY, where you can play by 5v5 NFL Flag Football rules and have fun with your friends. Here are some details you need to know:

– The tournament is open to girls and boys in high school, JV, and middle school grades.
– The date is March 16th and the registration deadline is January 31st.
– The fee is $375 per team and you need to pay online when you register.
– You can register your team using this link: https://sahlensportspark.com/college-flag-football-classic/
– You also need to complete an online roster after you register and agree to the terms and conditions of Sahlen’s Sports Park.
– If you have any questions, you can contact Keith Wing, the Flag Football League Director, at FlagFootball@sahlensportspark.com.

 

The Epic Sports Center offers indoor flag football leagues for adults of all skill levels, from recreational to competitive. Here are some of the features and benefits of playing flag football at the Epic Sports Center:

– You can play on a 40 yard by 70 yard Victory Turf Field, which is spacious and comfortable for indoor sports.
– You can choose between Monday or Saturday nights for your games, depending on the session. The sessions run from September to July, with breaks in October and June.
– You can enjoy a three-man referee system that ensures fair and consistent officiating.
– You can register as a team or as an individual. Teams can have 10 to 18 players on the roster, with eight playing on the field at once. Individuals will be placed on a team by the Epic Sports Center staff.
– You can rent flags from the Epic Sports Center for $10 per session, or bring your own. You must wear sneakers only, no spikes or turf shoes.
– You must have an adult coach (over 21 years old) present for all games, unless you have at least one player who is 21 years or older on your team. Your team captain/contact person must be 21 years or older and is responsible for collecting and paying the team fees by the third game of the session.
– You must follow the indoor flag football rules, which are available on the Epic Sports Center website. Some of the rules include: no running plays within 5 yards of the first down line or the goal line, no bumping of receivers by defensive players, no flag guarding or stiff-arming by runners, no ear buds or communication devices during game time, etc.
– You must pay a one-time fee of $20 to get a Player Pass, which makes you a lifetime member of the Epic Sports Center. You must also provide valid photo ID and sign a registration/waiver form.

The Epic Sports Center’s flag football program is a great way to stay active, have fun and meet new people. The registration fee is $750 per team or $75 per individual, which includes 10 regular season games and playoffs for qualifying teams. The registration deadline is one week before the start of each session. To register, you need to fill out and mail the Flag Football Registration Form and the Roster/Waiver Form, which are available on the Epic Sports Center website. You can also contact the Epic Sports Center at (716) 565-3742 or info@epic-center.com for more information.

– Buffalo Flag Football League (BFFL): BFFL is a co-ed adult league that plays 5-on-5 flag football on Sundays at Delaware Park in Buffalo. The league has four divisions: A (competitive), B (intermediate), C (recreational), and D (beginner). The registration fee is $600 per team or $75 per individual player. The registration deadline is March 1st. For more information, visit https://www.buffaloflagfootball.com/.

Syracuse

The Syracuse Sports Association offers various leagues and tournaments for adults of different skill levels and preferences. Here is a summary of what they have to offer:

– Indoor Flag Football: This is a 5 on 5 league that runs on Friday nights at the Syracuse Indoor Sports Center on Hopkins Road. The games are two 20-minute halves with college-style overtime in the playoffs. The registration fee is $900 per team or you can sign up as a free agent. The next season starts on January 26th and the registration deadline is January 12th. You can find more information and sign up here: https://www.syracusesportsassociation.com/leagues/flag_football/1229460-2024-session-two-indoor-flag-football–sisc-hopkins-rd

– Blind Draw Flag Football Tournament: This is a one-day event that will take place on January 19th at the Syracuse Indoor Sports Center. It is a fundraiser for Moe Sledge, a local flag football player who was diagnosed with cancer. The format is 5 on 5 passing with random teams assigned on the day of the tournament. The registration fee is $50 per individual and you can sign up here: https://www.syracusesportsassociation.com/leagues/flag_football/1229459-5v5-blind-draw-flag-football-tournament—a-fundraiser-for-moe-sledge-

– Summer Flag Football: This is an 8 on 8 league that runs on Sunday mornings at Clay Park South on Buckley Road. The games are two 20-minute halves with college-style overtime in the playoffs. The registration fee is $600 per team or you can sign up as a free agent. The next season starts on May 12th and the registration deadline is May 5th. You can find more information and sign up here: https://www.syracusesportsassociation.com/leagues/flag_football/1229471-2024-summer-flag-football—sunday-mornings—clay-park-south

– CNY Family Sports Centre: They have indoor and outdoor leagues for men, women and co-ed teams. You can visit their website at https://www.cnyfsc.com/flag-football or call them at (315) 638-8866.

– Liverpool High School: They have a flag football club for students in grades 9-12. You can contact the advisor, Mr. Brian DeJoseph, at bdejoseph@liverpool.k12.ny.us or (315) 453-1500 ext. 4020.

– Onondaga County Parks: They have a flag football league for adults at Onondaga Lake Park. You can visit their website at https://www.onondagacountyparks.com/parks/onondaga-lake-park or call them at (315) 453-6712.

– Syracuse Chargers Youth Flag Football: This is a youth flag football league for boys and girls ages 5 to 14. The league runs from September to November and has four divisions: Pee Wee (5-6), Rookie (7-8), Junior (9-10), and Senior (11-14). The games are played on Saturdays at Burnet Park in Syracuse. You can register online or in person at the Chargers office: https://www.syracusechargers.org/flag-football

– Syracuse Sports Association: This is a social sports organization that offers coed flag football for adults 18 and over. The league runs year-round and has four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. The games are played on Sundays at various locations in Syracuse. You can sign up as an individual or as a team: https://syracusesportsassociation.com/leagues/flag-football

– Syracuse University Intramural Sports: This is a program that offers flag football for students, faculty, and staff of Syracuse University. The league runs from September to November and has three divisions: men’s, women’s, and coed. The games are played on weekdays at the Flanagan Field Complex on campus. You can register online or at the Recreation Services office: https://recreation.syr.edu/intramural-sports/

 

Statewide Flag Football Programs

Here is a summary of some of the leagues, community organizations and school programs that offer flag football for girls and boys of different ages and skill levels all over New York State.

– NYSPHSAA – Section IX: This is one of the eleven sections of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), which is a non-profit organization that provides equitable and safe competition for students in grades 7-12. Section IX covers high schools from Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

They have a girls flag football program that runs from May to June, with playoffs and a final game. You can watch some of the games live or on demand on the NFHS Network website. To register, you need to contact your school’s athletic director or coach.

NYSPHSAA also offer flag football programs for girls and boys from Rochester and surrounding areas, Buffalo and Western New York, and high schools from Long Island.

 

– Community Organizations: There are also several community organizations that offer flag football programs for children and adults in New York. For example, NFL Flag is a nationwide program that partners with local organizations to provide flag football leagues for boys and girls ages 5-17. You can search for a league near you on their website. Another example is i9 Sports, which is a youth sports organization that offers flag football leagues for kids ages 4-14 in various locations in New York. You can find more information about their programs, locations and registration fees on their website which are listed later in this blog.

 

– School Programs: Some schools in New York also offer flag football programs for their students as part of their physical education or extracurricular activities. For example, Bethpage High School and Long Beach Senior High School have varsity boys flag football teams that compete against each other. You can check with your school if they have a flag football program or if they are interested in starting one.

 

– Volo Sports is a community organization that offers coed flag football leagues for adults in various locations across the New York metro area. Volo Sports has flag football leagues in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island. Some of the fields where you can play are Corlears Hook Park, McCarren Park, Randall’s Island Park, and Eisenhower Park.

To register for a flag football league, you need to create a Volo account on their website or app. You can sign up as an individual, a small group, or a full team. The registration fee varies depending on the league, but it usually ranges from $100 to $150 per person. The fee includes a team shirt, referees, equipment, and access to social events and discounts.

The flag football leagues run year-round, with four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Each season lasts for about eight weeks, with one game per week. The games are usually played on weekday evenings or weekends. The exact dates and times depend on the location and the league format.

Here are some of the links to the programs mentioned above:

– Flag football: https://www.volosports.com/New-York-Metro-Area/Flag-Football
– Volo Kids: https://www.volokids.org/

 

Section V Athletics is the official home of high school sports in the western part of the state, covering 11 counties and more than 200 schools.

On the Section V Athletics website, you can find information about the flag football sectionals, which are the regional tournaments that determine the champions of each division. The website has a dedicated page for the flag football sectionals, where you can see the schedule, results, box scores, recaps, live video, live audio, live stats and tickets for each game.

The website also has a page for the championships, where you can see the past and upcoming sectional champions for all the sports they offer, including flag football. You can also find links to the participants, which are the schools, leagues and community organizations that offer flag football programs in their area.

Some of the participants are:

– Rochester City School District: https://www.rcsdk12.org/domain/103
– Monroe County Youth Sports: https://www.monroecountyyouthsports.com/
– Wayne County Youth Sports: https://www.waynecountyyouthsports.com/
– Genesee Valley Educational Partnership: https://www.gvboces.org/
– Livingston County Interscholastic Athletic Association: https://www.livingstoncountyathletics.com/

If you want to learn more about flag football in Section V Athletics, you can contact them at connect@sectionv.org or (315) 332-7324.

 

 

Flag Star Football is dedicated to providing a positive and safe environment for kids to learn and enjoy flag football.  They offer different programs for different age groups, from kindergarten to 8th grade. Some of the programs that Flag Star Football offers are:

– Fall League: This is the main program that runs from September to November. It is open to boys and girls of all skill levels and experience. The registration fee is $195 per player, which includes a jersey, flags, and insurance. The games are played on Sundays at various locations depending on the region. The teams are coached by volunteers, usually parents or high school students. The league follows the NFL Flag rules, which are designed to promote fair play and safety.
– Winter League: This is a smaller program that runs from January to March. It is similar to the Fall League, but with fewer teams and locations. The registration fee is $175 per player.
– Spring League: This is another smaller program that runs from April to June. It is also similar to the Fall League, but with fewer teams and locations. The registration fee is $175 per player.
– Summer Camps: These are week-long camps that run from June to August. They are open to boys and girls of all skill levels and experience. The registration fee is $295 per week, which includes a jersey, flags, snacks, and water. The camps are led by professional coaches who teach the fundamentals and skills of flag football in a fun and engaging way. The camps are held at various locations depending on the region.
– School Programs: These are after-school or in-school programs that run throughout the year. They are designed to introduce flag football to students who may not have access or interest in other sports. The programs are customized to fit the needs and schedules of each school. The fees vary depending on the program length and frequency.

To learn more about Flag Star Football and their programs, you can visit their website at https://www.flagstarfootball.com/. You can also contact them by phone at 202-468-1516 or by email at info@flagstarfootball.com.

 

Western New York State

Section V is a regional organization that oversees interscholastic athletics in western New York State . Section V covers 11 counties: Allegany, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates.

There are several ways to get involved in flag football in Section V. You can join a league, a community organization, or a school program. Here are some of the options you have:

 

– Rochester Flag Football League: This league offers flag football for adults (18+) in Rochester and surrounding areas. The league runs from September to November, with games on Sundays at various locations. The registration fee is $75 per player or $750 per team. You can register online at https://rochesterflagfootball.com/.

– Buffalo Flag Football League: This league offers flag football for adults (18+) in Buffalo and surrounding areas. The league runs from September to November, with games on Saturdays at various locations. The registration fee is $80 per player or $800 per team. You can register online at https://buffaloflagfootball.com/.

– Finger Lakes Flag Football League: This league offers flag football for youth (6-17) in the Finger Lakes region. The league runs from September to October, with games on Saturdays at various locations. The registration fee is $60 per player or $600 per team. You can register online at https://fingerlakesflagfootball.com/.

– YMCA: The YMCA offers flag football for youth (5-14) and adults (18+) in various locations in Section V. The YMCA flag football program focuses on skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun. The program runs from September to November, with games on weekdays or weekends depending on the location. The registration fee varies by location and membership status. You can find more information and register online at https://rochesterymca.org/programs/sports/flag-football/.

– Boys & Girls Clubs: The Boys & Girls Clubs offer flag football for youth (6-18) in various locations in Section V. The Boys & Girls Clubs flag football program emphasizes character development, leadership, health, and wellness. The program runs from September to November, with games on weekdays or weekends depending on the location. The registration fee varies by location and membership status. You can find more information and register online at https://bgcwebster.org/programs/sports/flag-football/.

 

 

New York City

 ZogSports is a recreational sports league for adults and companies that offers a variety of sports, including flag football, in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. ZogSports’ flag football leagues are co-ed and open to all skill levels. You can join as an individual, a small group or a full team. The games are played on Sundays at Parade Ground in Brooklyn, a spacious field with easy access to public transportation. The season starts on January 21 and lasts for eight weeks, plus playoffs. The registration fee is $165 per player or $1,650 per team, which includes referees, equipment, team shirts and online standings. You can sign up online at https://www.zogsports.com/ny/football/.

 

Play NYC is a sports organization that offers different formats and divisions of flag football for players of all skill levels. Here is a summary of what they offer and how you can join:

– Play NYC runs flag football leagues in the winter, spring, summer and fall seasons. The winter season starts on January 29th and ends on March 13th, with games on Saturdays and Sundays at East River Park or Riverside Park. The registration fee is $1400 per team or $125 per individual player, plus a processing fee of $50. You can register online at https://playnyc.leagueapps.com/leagues/flag-football/2642559-2022-winter—nyc-flag-football.

– Play NYC offers three different formats of flag football: 8v8, 7v7 and 5v5. The 8v8 format allows contact blocking, running plays and all players to catch passes. The 7v7 format does not allow contact blocking, but allows trick plays, laterals and pitches. The 5v5 format is similar to 7v7, but with smaller field dimensions. You can choose the format that suits your preference and skill level.

– Play NYC also offers different divisions of flag football: competitive, intermediate and recreational. The competitive division is for experienced players who want to play at a high level. The intermediate division is for players who have some experience and want to improve their skills. The recreational division is for players who are new to the game or just want to have fun. You can choose the division that matches your ability and goal.

– Play NYC provides referees, equipment, jerseys, schedules, standings and playoffs for each league. You only need to bring your own cleats and flags. Play NYC also organizes social events, tournaments and charity games for its members. You can find more information about Play NYC at https://playnycsports.com/flag-football/.

Play NYC is a great way to enjoy flag football in New York City. Whether you want to play with your friends, meet new people, stay fit or compete for a championship, Play NYC has something for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to join one of the best flag football leagues in the city!

 

Asphalt Green is a nonprofit organization that provides high-quality sports and fitness programs for children and adults of all skill levels. One of their most popular programs is youth flag football, which is a non-contact version of football that teaches the fundamentals of the game, such as passing, catching, running, and teamwork. Youth flag football is open to boys and girls ages 5 to 14, and it takes place on Asphalt Green’s outdoor FieldTurf field on the Upper East Side.

Asphalt Green offers three types of youth flag football programs: instructional group classes, recreational leagues, and weekend clinics. Instructional group classes are designed to introduce beginners to the basics of flag football and help intermediate players improve their skills. Recreational leagues are for players who want to compete in organized games against other teams in their age group. Weekend clinics are one-day events that focus on specific aspects of flag football, such as offense, defense, or special teams.

To register for any of these programs, you can visit the Asphalt Green website at https://www.asphaltgreen.org/ues/programs/sports/football/ and fill out an online form. You can also call 212-369-8890 ext. 2081 or email sports@asphaltgreen.org for more information. The registration fees vary depending on the program and the season, but they are affordable and include a jersey, a flag belt, and a mouth guard.

Youth flag football is a great way to learn the game of football, make new friends, and have fun. Don’t miss this opportunity to join one of the best youth flag football programs in New York City!

 

The United Sports League offers three different formats of flag football for adults: 5-man, 6-man, and 8-man. Each format has its own rules and locations, so you can choose the one that suits your preferences and skills.

The league runs three seasons per year: fall, spring, and summer. Each season consists of eight regular season games and a playoff format. Teams qualify for the playoffs based on their division. The league provides referees, jerseys, and flag belts for all players.

The league has two divisions based on skill level: intermediate and advanced. The intermediate division is for players who are more recreational and do not have lineman or D1 players on their team. The advanced division is for players who are very competitive and want to win big prizes. The divisions play at different locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.

If you are interested in joining the United Sports League, you can contact them by phone or text at 212-256-1145 or visit their website at https://unitedsportsleague.com/flag-football/. There you can find more information about the league formats, rules, locations, and registration fees.

 

Chelsea Piers is a sports and entertainment complex located on the Hudson River in Manhattan. They offer flag football classes for adults and youth, as well as leagues and tournaments.

The adult flag football classes are designed for beginners and intermediate players who want to learn the fundamentals of the game, improve their skills, and have fun. The classes are taught by experienced coaches who provide instruction on offense, defense, strategy, and teamwork. The classes are held on Sundays from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Pier 62. The cost is $295 per person for an eight-week session. The next session starts on January 23rd and ends on March 13th.

The youth flag football classes are for kids ages 6 to 14 who want to learn the basics of the game in a fun and safe environment. The classes are divided by age group and skill level, and they cover topics such as passing, catching, running, blocking, and flag pulling. The classes are held on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at Pier 62. The cost is $395 per child for an eight-week session. The next session starts on January 22nd and ends on March 12th.

Chelsea Piers also offers flag football leagues and tournaments for adults and youth throughout the year. The leagues are competitive and recreational, and they feature teams of different sizes and formats. The tournaments are one-day events that attract teams from across the city and beyond. You can find more information about the leagues and tournaments on their website: https://sports.chelseapiers.com/new-york/chelsea/sports/football/leagues

 

If you wish to introduce your kids to flag football,  check out the Battery Park City Authority’s (BPCA) series of children’s flag football programs. These programs are designed for kids aged 3 to 10, and they offer a variety of sessions that cover the basics of passing, receiving, and game strategy. The programs are held at Rockefeller Park, a beautiful green space in Lower Manhattan, New York City.

The BPCA’s children’s flag football programs are free and open to the public, but registration is required. You can register online at https://bpca.ny.gov/series/childrens-flag-football-ages-6-10/ or by calling 212-267-9700. The registration deadline is September 1st, and the programs run from September 11th to November 13th.

There are two age groups for the children’s flag football programs: ages 3 to 5 and ages 6 to 10. The sessions for ages 3 to 5 are 30 minutes long and take place on Mondays at 3:00 pm. The sessions for ages 6 to 10 are 45 minutes long and take place on Mondays at 4:00 pm. Both age groups will practice the skills and drills that will help them develop their balance, coordination, movement, and awareness.

The NYC Kids Flag Football League offered by Fastbreak Sports. This league is open to boys and girls ages 6 to 14 and runs in the fall, winter and spring seasons on the Upper East and Upper West Side. Here are some details about the league that you might find useful:

– The league has four age divisions: 8U (1st/2nd grade), 10U (3rd/4th grade), 12U (5th/6th grade) and 14U (7th/8th grade).
– The league follows the NFL Flag Football rules and provides each player with a reversible league jersey and a belt.
– The league consists of 10 sessions, each lasting 60 minutes. Each session includes team practice and game time. All games have an official referee, league score, standings and championship awards for league winners.
– The league partners with the best youth organizations in New York, such as the New York Giants, the New York Jets, the New York Saints and the New York Vikings.
– The league also offers private flag football games for groups or pods who want to play weekly games with their own friends.
– The registration fee for the league is $600 per player. You can register online at https://fastbreakkids.com/teams/nyc-kids-flag-football/.
– If you have any questions or requests, you can contact Eddie at eddie@fastbreakkids.com or call (212)724-3278.

In addition to the regular league, Fastbreak Sports also organizes flag football tournaments in November for different age groups. These tournaments are a one-time event where you can build your own team of 6 to 8 players and compete under the lights for division championships. The tournament fee is $595 per team and includes game shirt, ball and flags. You can find more information about the tournaments at https://fastbreakkids.com/teams/flag-football-tournaments/.

Fastbreak Sports is a leader in youth sports in NYC, offering classes, camps, teams, leagues and parties for children ranging from toddlers to teens. They have a state-of-the-art facility at 1629 1st Ave, New York, NY, 10028. You can learn more about them at https://fastbreakkids.com/about-us/.

 

The Police Athletic League’s (PAL) program is a non-profit organization that provides organized sports and recreation experiences for the youth of New York City, who otherwise would not be able to afford private sports leagues or play on a school team. PAL has a long history of bringing together the police and the community through friendly sports competition. Here are some of the flag football opportunities that PAL offers:

– PAL Cops and Kids Flag Football: This program is for boys and girls ages 14 to 19 who want to play flag football with NYPD officers as their coaches and mentors. The program started in mid-October and has seven sites in all five boroughs: Monte Bello Park and Hinton Park in Queens, Wagner Park in East Harlem, Manhattan, Edenwald Housing Complex in the Bronx, Corporal Thompson Park in Staten Island and Tilden High School in Brooklyn. The city wide championships will be held on December 5th at Montebello Park at 10am. You can find more information about this program at https://palnyc.org/flag-football/.

– PAL Cops and Kids Junior Flag Football: This program is for boys and girls ages 9 to 14 who want to learn the basics of flag football with NYPD officers as their instructors. The program is in partnership with the New York Jets and USA Football, and it is free to register. Any child who registered before July 25th received two tickets and a parking pass to the Jets vs. Jacksonville pre-season game on August 11th. You can sign up for this program at https://palnyc.org/sports-and-recreation/.

– PAL Sports and Recreation Department: This department provides a model sports curriculum for all PAL centers, in addition to organizing and facilitating leagues, tournaments, and special events for over 13,000 youth annually. PAL’s sports and recreation programs include other sports such as baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, rugby, floor hockey, double-dutch jump rope, kickball, karate, dance and step, aquatics and board games. You can contact the Sports and Recreation Department at Sports@palnyc.net or (212) 477-9450 ext. 389 for more information.

 

Brooklyn

If you are looking for a fun and exciting way to play flag football in Brooklyn, New York, you have many options to choose from. Here is a summary of some of the flag football programs that are available in the city, as well as their locations, registration dates/costs and contact information.

– SFX Youth Sports: This is the original NFL-approved Flag Football League in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and the only one that plays in Prospect Park. The league is affiliated with the NFL Youth Flag Football Program and offers co-ed divisions for ages 7-17. The regular season runs from mid-September to mid-November, with one game per week on Saturday or Sunday. All teams make the playoffs, which are single elimination. Trophies are awarded to the first and second place winners. The registration fee is $200 per player, which includes an official NFL Flag jersey and a protective mouthpiece. You can register online at https://sfxyouthsports.com/sfx-programs/flag-football/. For more information, you can contact Sean Edgar at sfxflagfootball@gmail.com.

– 78 Youth Sports: This program offers flag football for co-ed players ages 9-16. The games are played on turf fields at three locations: Van Voorhees, Brooklyn Bridge Park (Pier 5), and Washington Park. The league follows a safety-first dress code, which requires plain shorts or sweatpants with no pockets or belt loops, mouth guards, and turf shoes or rubber cleats. The league also has a mandatory player evaluation and a team draft to ensure balanced teams. The fall season consists of 7-8 games from September to November, with one game per week. The division champions are determined by a single elimination playoff. The registration fee is $225 per player, which includes an NFL team jersey and a flag belt. You can register online at https://78youthsports.org/sports/flag-football/. For more information, you can contact info@78youthsports.org.

– ZogSports: This program is a social sports league that offers flag football for adults (18+) of all skill levels. The games are played on Sundays at McCarren Park in Brooklyn. The league follows an 8-on-8 no-contact format, with co-ed teams that have no more than 5 males on the field at one time. The league consists of 6 regular season games plus one week for playoffs, with potential for doubleheaders or bye weeks depending on permits and numbers. The registration fee is $165 per player or $1,650 per team, which includes an official ZogSports t-shirt and a referee for each game. You can register online at http://zogsportsny.leagueapps.com/leagues/football/4092353-flag-football—brooklyn—sunday. For more information, you can contact info@zogsports.com.

 

Yorkville

The Yorkville Flag Football Program is a community organization that offers flag football programs for kids and teens of all skill levels and ages. Here are some of the programs that Yorkville has to offer:

– 2024 Shamrock Showdown: This is a one-day tournament for teams of 8 players or less, with age divisions ranging from 8U to 17U. The tournament will be held on Saturday, March 9, and the winning team will receive championship rings. The registration fee is $495 per team, and Yorkville will provide shirts, flags, and balls. You can register a team online at https://www.yyaa.org/flag-football.

– 2024 Spring Friday Night Lights: This is a weekly league for players in grades 2-12, with games played on Fridays from April 5 to June 7 (skipping May 24). The games will be played on Randall’s Island, and the age groups are determined by each player’s school grade. The registration fee is $375 before Jan. 31, and all players will receive an NFL Flag jersey.

– 2024 Spring Sundays: This is another weekly league for players in grades K-12, with games played on Sundays from April 7 to June 9 (skipping May 26). The games will also be played on Randall’s Island, and the age groups are also determined by each player’s school grade. The registration fee is $375 before Jan. 31, and all players will also receive an NFL Flag jersey.

– Yorkville Eagles Travel Flag Football: This is a program for highly competitive players aged 9-14 (as of 1/1/2024), who want to play in local and regional tournaments sponsored by the NFL. Players will be selected based on their performance, commitment, and attitude during tryouts. The teams will play in tournaments that are within 3 hours driving distance from NYC, and may qualify to play in the National Championships at the Pro Bowl or the Tournament of Champions at MetLife Stadium. For more information and tryout dates, please contact jesse@yyaa.org.

Yorkville Flag Football is led by Coach Jonathan Valdez, a former football player who has been a referee and a supervisor for multiple sports in NYC. He teaches young players the fundamentals of the game, as well as speed, agility, discipline, and sportsmanship.

 

Girls Flag Football in New York State

If you are looking for girls flag football in New York, it is offered by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) in 2024 and beyond. Girls flag football is open to girls in grades 9-12 who attend public high schools in New York State. There are currently 10 sections in the NYSPHSAA that will offer girls flag football, covering different regions of the state. You can find out which section your school belongs to by visiting https://nysphsaa.org/Sections. Each section will have its own schedule, rules and regulations for girls flag football, so make sure to contact your section coordinator for more information.

To register for girls flag football, you will need to fill out an online form and pay a registration fee. The registration dates and costs vary by section, so please check with your section coordinator for the details. You will also need to have a physical examination and submit a medical clearance form before you can participate. You can find the medical clearance form at https://nysphsaa.org/Portals/0/PDF/Forms/Health%20History%20Update.pdf.

Here is some information you need to know:

– Girls flag football is a new sport that was approved by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) as a state championship sport in 2023, on National Girls and Women in Sports Day . The first state championship will take place in spring 2024 .
– The sport is supported by the NFL and the three New York teams: the Buffalo Bills, the New York Giants, and the New York Jets. They have collaborated with NYSPHSAA and Nike to provide funding, equipment, jerseys, and clinics for the participating schools .
– The sport follows the NFHS playing rules and the NYSPHSAA high school sports standards. It is open to girls of all skill levels and backgrounds who want to have fun, learn, and compete.
– In 2022, there were 51 high schools across six sections that formed girls flag teams and competed in a pilot season . In 2023, the number of schools is expected to be over 140 across eight sections .
– To find out if your school or district offers girls flag football, you can contact your athletic director or visit the NYSPHSAA website https://nysphsaa.org/Sports/Girls-Flag-Football for more information. You can also check out the websites of the Buffalo Bills https://www.buffalobills.com/community/youth-football, the New York Giants https://www.giants.com/community/youth-football, and the New York Jets https://www.newyorkjets.com/community/youth-football for more resources and opportunities.

 

There are many other leagues, organizations and programs that offer girls flag football in different cities and towns across New York State. Some of them are:

– The Buffalo Bills Foundation Girls Flag Football League: This league is sponsored by the Buffalo Bills Foundation and provides girls flag football opportunities for girls in grades 7-12 in Western New York. The league runs from April to June and culminates in a championship tournament at Highmark Stadium. You can learn more about the league and register at https://www.buffalobills.com/community/girls-flag-football-league.

– The NFL Flag New York Metro League: This league is part of the NFL Flag program, which is the largest youth flag football organization in the United States. The league offers girls flag football for girls ages 5-17 in New York City, Long Island and Westchester County. The league runs from September to November and features regional tournaments and a chance to qualify for the NFL Flag Bowl. You can learn more about the league and register at https://www.nflflag.com/newyorkmetro.

– The Capital District Youth Flag Football League: This league is based in Albany and offers girls flag football for girls ages 5-14 in the Capital District area. The league runs from April to June and features weekly games and playoffs. You can learn more about the league and register at https://www.cdflagfootball.com.

 

 

One of the recent events in flag football was the inaugural girls flag football state championships hosted by high schools in Central New York. The tournament took place on October 23 and 24 at Cicero-North Syracuse High School and featured 16 teams from across the state. The event was organized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and supported by the Buffalo Bills and the NFL Foundation. The tournament aimed to promote flag football as a varsity sport for girls and to provide them with opportunities to compete and develop their skills. The event also showcased the growing popularity and diversity of flag football in New York and beyond. According to NYSPHSAA, more than 1,000 girls participated in flag football programs in 2023, up from 200 in 2022.

The state champions were crowned in four divisions: Class AA, A, B, and C/D. The winners were Baldwinsville (AA), Jamesville-DeWitt (A), Homer (B), and Weedsport (C/D). The champions received trophies and medals, as well as custom jerseys from the Buffalo Bills. The runners-up were Liverpool (AA), East Syracuse Minoa (A), Cazenovia (B), and Tupper Lake (C/D).

The event also featured guest speakers, clinics, and demonstrations from flag football experts and coaches. Some of the speakers included Kim Pegula, the owner and president of the Buffalo Bills; Dr. Robert Zayas, the executive director of NYSPHSAA; Samantha Rapoport, the senior director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the NFL; and Jenn Welter, the first female coach in the NFL.

The girls flag football state championships were a historic and successful event that celebrated the sport and its participants. The organizers hope to continue the event in the future and to expand flag football opportunities for girls across New York and other states. For more information about the event and its results, visit https://www.nysphsaa.org/Sports/Flag-Football/Girls-Flag-Football-Championships or contact your local high school athletic department.

 

The NCSA Women’s Flag Football athletic scholarships portal is a helpful resource for finding information on college programs and coaches that offer athletic scholarships for women’s flag football across the country.

According to the portal, there are currently 1472 active high-school women’s flag football athletes in the NCSA network, and they can use the portal to search for scholarship opportunities by state. However, if you are looking for women’s flag football scholarships in New York, you might be disappointed to learn that there are not any colleges offering this sport in the state of New York as of now.

The portal also provides some statistics on the number of schools, scholarship opportunities and roster spots for women’s flag football by division. Unfortunately, none of these numbers are positive for New York, as there are zero schools, scholarships and roster spots for this sport in any division.

This does not mean that you have to give up on your dream of playing flag football in college. You can still use the portal to explore other states that do offer women’s flag football scholarships, such as Florida, Georgia, Hawaii and more. You can also get in-depth information on the schools and coaches that are looking for talented women’s flag football players like you.

To access the NCSA Women’s Flag Football athletic scholarships portal, you can visit this link: https://www.ncsasports.org/athletic-scholarships/womens-flag-football

 

If you are a girl who loves football and wants to play in a fun and competitive environment, you should check out the High School Girls Flag Football program in Western New York. This program is supported by the Buffalo Bills, who are committed to growing the sport and providing opportunities for young female athletes.

The High School Girls Flag Football program started in 2023, with over 1,000 participants from 44 teams in Section V and Section VI. The program is sanctioned by the NYSPHSAA and follows the NFL Flag rules. The teams compete in a 7-on-7 format, with five regular season games and playoffs. The first ever state championship will be held in 2024.

To join the program, you need to contact your school’s athletic director or coach and express your interest. You can find more information about the High School Girls Flag Football program on the Buffalo Bills website: https://www.buffalobills.com/community/girls-flag-football. There you can watch speaker clips from experts and players, see photos and videos from past events, and learn more about the community partners who support the program.

– Section III Girls Flag Football: This is a new program that will start in spring 2024 for high school girls in Central New York. At least six teams will compete in the inaugural season, including Baldwinsville, Cicero-North Syracuse, Liverpool, Nottingham, West Genesee, and Westhill. The program is supported by the NFL Foundation and USA Football. You can find more information on the Section III website: https://www.section3.org/page/show/6059717-girls-flag-football

 

The New York Jets High School Girls Flag Football League is supported by the Jets, Nike, Gatorade and Visa, and it offers girls the opportunity to play football and learn skills that will help them in life. Here are some details about the league and how you can join.

– The league started in 2021 with eight schools in New Jersey, and it has expanded to over 100 schools in the Hudson Valley, Long Island and New Jersey in 2023.
– The league is open to girls in grades 9-12 who want to play flag football, a non-contact version of football that uses flags instead of tackling.
– The league provides grants, flag equipment and uniforms to participating schools, as well as coaching clinics, official trainings, jamborees and championship games at the Jets facilities.
– The league aims to have flag football recognized as an official varsity championship sport in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. In spring 2024, flag football will be a championship sport in New York.
– The league also honors a Girls Flag Player of the Week and a Game Changer Coach of the Week, sponsored by Gatorade and Visa, for their impact on the flag football community.

If you are interested in joining the league or learning more about it, you can visit the Jets website at https://www.newyorkjets.com/community/jets-foundation/girls-flag-football. There you can find information about registration dates and costs, contact information of leagues, community organizations and school programs, as well as photos and videos of the league. You can also find an NFL FLAG league near you at https://nflflag.com/find-a-league.

 

 

One of the main organizations that offers flag football for girls in Suffolk County is Section XI Athletics. Section XI Athletics is the governing body for high school sports in Suffolk County, and it organizes various sports activities and events throughout the year. Section XI Athletics has a website where you can find schedules, scores, standings, brackets and other information about flag football and other sports. The website is http://www.sectionxi.org.

Section XI Athletics has a flag football program for girls that runs in the spring season. The program is open to high school girls from grades 9 to 12, and it involves teams from different schools competing against each other in regular season games and playoffs. The games are played on weekdays, usually in the afternoon or evening, at various locations across Suffolk County. The games are officiated by certified referees and follow the rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS).

The flag football season for girls starts in March and ends in April. The registration for the program is done through the schools, so if you are interested in playing, you should contact your school’s athletic director or flag football coach. The registration fee varies depending on the school, but it usually covers the cost of equipment, uniforms, insurance and transportation. You will also need to have a physical examination and a parental consent form before you can play.

Some of the schools that participate in the flag football program for girls are:

– Amityville
– Babylon
– Bay Shore
– Bayport-Blue Point
– Center Moriches
– Commack
– Comsewogue
– Connetquot
– Copiague
– Deer Park
– East Hampton/Bridgehampton/Pierson
– East Islip
– Eastport-South Manor
– Half Hollow Hills
– Hampton Bays
– Harborfields
– Hauppauge
– Huntington
– Islip
– Kings Park
– Lindenhurst
– Longwood
– Mattituck
– Middle Country
– Miller Place
– North Babylon
– Northport
– Patchogue-Medford
– Port Jefferson
– Riverhead Charter School
– Rocky Point
– Sachem East
– Sachem North
– Sayville
– Smithtown East
– Smithtown West
– Southampton
– Walt Whitman
– Ward Melville
– West Babylon
– West Islip
– William Floyd
– Wyandanch

You can find the full schedule of games for each school on the Section XI Athletics website under Flag Football – Spring (Girls). You can also check the scores and standings of each team as they progress through the season. The playoffs are held at the end of April, and the winners of each division advance to the county championship game.

If you are not in high school or you prefer to play flag football outside of school, there are also other options for you in Suffolk County. There are several community organizations and leagues that offer flag football programs for girls and women of different ages and skill levels. Some of these organizations and leagues are:

– Long Island Flag Football League (LIFFL): LIFFL is one of the largest and longest-running flag football leagues on Long Island. It offers flag football programs for men, women and youth in various divisions and formats. The women’s division plays on Sundays at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. The registration fee is $100 per player or $900 per team, which includes 8 regular season games plus playoffs, referees, flags, trophies and shirts. You can register online at https://www.liffl.com or contact info@liffl.com for more information.
– Long Island Women’s Flag Football League (LIWFFL): LIWFFL is a women’s flag football league that plays on Saturdays at various locations on Long Island. It offers flag football programs for women 18 years and older in different skill levels. The registration fee is $75 per player or $750 per team, which includes 8 regular season games plus playoffs, referees, flags, trophies and shirts. You can register online at https://www.liwffl.com or contact liwffl@gmail.com for more information.
– Suffolk County PAL Flag Football: Suffolk County PAL is a non-profit organization that provides recreational and educational programs for youth in Suffolk County. It offers flag football programs for boys and girls from grades 3 to 8 in the fall and spring seasons. The games are played on Saturdays at various locations in Suffolk County. The registration fee is $125 per player, which includes 8 regular season games plus playoffs, referees, flags, uniforms and insurance. You can register online at https://www.suffolkcountypal.org or contact 631-852-6109 for more information.

The New York Jets

The New York Jets support various flag football programs for children and youth in the tri-state area. Flag football is a non-contact sport that teaches the fundamentals of football, teamwork and sportsmanship. Here are some of the flag football opportunities that the Jets offer or fund:

– The Jets and USA Football have partnered with the New York City Police Athletic League (PAL) to create a free flag football league for 1,200 New York City youth. The participants receive a free Jets NFL FLAG jersey and the top teams in each division get their entry fees to the Regional NFL Flag tournament paid by the Jets. For more information, visit https://www.newyorkjets.com/community/play-football/flag-football.

– The Jets provide $50,000 annually to support the Public Schools Athletic League  Girls Varsity Flag Football League, which has grown from 31 to almost 60 schools since 2011. USA Football also helped to launch the league with flag belts and footballs for each program.

– The Jets have funded the expansion of CHAMPS Middle School Flag Football League to more than 3,700 students at 111 programs in the New York City public school system since 2007. CHAMPS stands for Cooperative, Healthy, Active, Motivated and Positive Students and is an initiative of the New York City Department of Education. For more information, go to https://schools.nyc.gov.

 

Kingston

The youth flag football program offered by the City of Kingston, New York offers a program open to boys and girls of all skill levels, ages 6 to 14. The program runs from September to November, with games played on Saturdays at Dietz Stadium. The teams are divided by age groups: 6-8, 9-11, and 12-14. The program follows the NFL Flag Football rules and guidelines, which emphasize safety, fun, and fair play.

To register for the youth flag football program, you can visit the Kingston Parks and Recreation website at www.kingstonparkandrec.org , call or stop by their office at 467 Broadway, or contact Chris Connolly at (845) 481-7337 or cconnolly@kingston-ny.gov. The registration fee is $50 for Kingston residents and $75 for non-residents. The registration deadline is June 30th.

 

More Options…

– Niagara Falls Flag Football League (NFFL): NFFL is a co-ed adult league that plays 7-on-7 flag football on Saturdays at Hyde Park in Niagara Falls. The league has two divisions: A (competitive) and B (recreational). The registration fee is $500 per team or $65 per individual player. The registration deadline is April 1st. For more information, visit https://www.niagarafallsflagfootball.com/.

– Southern Tier Flag Football League (STFFL): STFFL is a co-ed adult league that plays 9-on-9 flag football on Sundays at various locations in Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties. The league has three divisions: A (competitive), B (intermediate), and C (recreational). The registration fee is $450 per team or $60 per individual player. The registration deadline is May 1st. For more information, visit https://www.southerntierflagfootball.com/.