The Rise of Kids Flag Football
Flag Football -- once considered the humble little brother of the Tackle Football game -- is sacking that second string reputation.
Sure, tackle football will always be number one as kids dream to play before the big hometown crowd.
Sure, tackle football will always be number one as kids dream to play before the big hometown crowd.
But recent spikes in flag football participation, as well as significant support from grass roots organizations indicate that flag football is ready for prime time and will soon take a bigger share of the youth sports marketplace.
Contributing to Flag Football’s growth is the fact that more dedicated athletes are rejecting “the one and done” experience and choosing to stick with Flag Football for multiple seasons. This helps Flag Leagues build continuity and quality, develop rivalries and sustain growth.
“We see lots of kids now fully dedicated to flag football,” says Tom Finks, Director of Pro Sports Experience, a youth football camp management company for NFL teams. “These kids simply prefer the flag game and can match skills with any kid in any sport.”
Right behind those dedicated young athletes are their fathers, many with significant football playing and coaching experience.
“Frequently, a great young flag player has a Dad that played and can teach the game,” says Finks. “When families like this support a Flag League, it’s a big step forward for the overall league quality.”
Pro Sports Experience manages youth football programs on behalf of NFL teams such as the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. All combined, they ran 80 camps--all non-contact--in six states. These teams are invested in helping all levels of football grow and see non-contact football as an essential part of their fan development mission.
For example, the Chicago Bears sponsor non-contact youth football camps for kids aged 6 to 14 years old. Led by professional coaches and Chicago Bears Alumni Heroes, the Bears host more than 25 youth camps with programs for all playing levels, including private or small group instruction options.
“We divide kids by age and experience level so the curriculum meets each child’s specific needs,” say Finks. “Newcomers, flag players and tackle players get great benefits from our program, and that feeds into their fall league success.”
Finks believes flag football has very strong selling points.
Finks believes flag football has very strong selling points.
“Except for the obvious, flag football features all the key skills and excitement of the tackle game” says Finks. “It allows kids to learn the game without concern. Being a flag football star can be the ultimate goal, or flag can be a key building block as a young player moves into the tackle game.”
Flag football teams generally practice once-a-week with games on weekends. This is another advantage that gives kids a better chance to enjoy additional activities during the fall or spring seasons.
Local Flag Leagues sponsored by NFL Flag Football are also available in the fall and spring seasons. Teams receive NFL reversible team jerseys, NFL Flag Belts, as well as rules, coaching guides and parent guides to organize the league. This league is available for kids ages 5 to 17 years old.
If your child is crazy about football, be sure to investigate the growing options provided by local flag leagues, youth football camps or start your own league through NFL Flag.
More about Chicago
http://www.prosportsexperience.com/bears/
More about Green Bay
http://www.prosportsexperience.com/packers/
More about New York
http://www.prosportsexperience.com/giants/
More about Philadelphia
http://www.prosportsexperience.com/eagles/
For more about NFL Flag Football Leagues
http://www.nflflag.com/
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