About NFL Flag

The Official Flag Football Program of the NFL

NFL FLAG is the official flag football program of the NFL and the largest youth flag football organization in the United States.

2,000+ Leagues | 830,000+ Youth Athletes | All 50 States

NFL FLAG gives boys and girls the opportunity to experience football in a fun, fast-paced, no-contact environment. Serving athletes ages 4–17, the program is designed for players of all experience and ability levels—from kids stepping onto the field for the first time to experienced athletes looking to take their game to the next level.

More Than Football

NFL FLAG is built around more than wins and losses. Through football, young athletes develop fundamentals while learning the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, confidence, leadership, and friendship.

With the support of the NFL, NFL FLAG provides communities with a structured and inclusive way for kids to discover football and develop a lifelong love of the game.

The NFL FLAG Story

NFL FLAG's roots date back to the 1990s, when the NFL launched its Play Football initiative with the goal of making football more accessible to children regardless of their age, size, gender, or previous experience.

In 1994, the NFL launched its first youth camp series at the New England Patriots' stadium, introducing young athletes to flag football and teaching them the fundamentals of the game.

What started with local programs soon grew across the country. By the early 2000s, NFL FLAG could be found in schools, parks and recreation programs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and community leagues throughout the United States.

Today, more than 830,000 youth athletes participate in NFL FLAG, and the game continues to grow.

Flag Football Is on the Rise

Flag football has become one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the country.

Its combination of accessibility, competition, skill development, and no-contact gameplay makes it an exciting option for both new and experienced athletes. Flag football can be a player's primary sport or provide tackle football athletes with another opportunity to develop their skills during the offseason.

And the opportunities continue beyond youth leagues. The growth of girls' and women's flag football has created new pathways for athletes to compete at the high school and collegiate levels.

Opportunities for Girls

NFL FLAG is committed to expanding opportunities for girls to play football.

Girls-only leagues, tournaments, high school programs, and collegiate opportunities are helping create a clear pathway for female athletes to continue playing the game at increasingly competitive levels.

As girls' flag football continues its rapid growth across the country, more young athletes than ever have an opportunity to see a future for themselves in football.

NFL FLAG Tournaments & Events

NFL FLAG provides competitive opportunities that extend beyond local league play.

The NFL FLAG tournament series brings teams and leagues together from across the country to compete against top competition. Regional events can provide qualifying teams with opportunities to advance and compete on the national stage at the NFL FLAG Championships.

For players who want to challenge themselves beyond their local season, NFL FLAG provides a pathway to experience the game at a higher level.

A Place for Every Athlete

Whether a player is brand new to football, developing their skills, looking for additional competition, or simply wants to be part of a team, NFL FLAG provides a place to play.

No tackling. No previous football experience required. Just an opportunity to learn, compete, make friends, and have fun playing football.