Above: Organizers of a new youth sports program in town are promoting the opportunity. (images contributed and from Facebook)
Southborough parents are working with Southborough Recreation and an NFL youth program to launch a co-ed, no-contact Flag Football league for local kids in grades 3–8.
Earlier this summer, I wrote about the upcoming opportunity (and the difference between it and the Northborough/Southborough Youth Football and Cheer Association’s “Flex Football” program.
At the time, the details were still TBA. Since then, information was posted to Rec’s website, and registration opened last Friday. Rec’s website promotes:
We are SUPER excited to partnering with the NFL for our new Flag Football League and present our version of Sunday Football! . . .
All abilities and boys/girls are welcome! This will be a low commitment & fun way to play football this fall.
The first 30 minutes of each block will be skills & drills followed by a 30-minute game!
Organizers reached out, asking me to help promote the new offering. (Scroll down for their announcement.)
The program will be run at Choate Field (in front of Woodward School) on Sundays starting September 14th. It will continue until at least November 2nd (except for October 12th), followed by Playoffs on Sunday, November 9th and a Championship game on Friday, November 14th.
The cost is $90 per Southborough resident, but also open to kids from other towns. (The cost is the same for grades 5-8, but $10 more for ages 3-4.)
Program times are a based on age groups:
- 12:00 –1:00 PM Grades 3-4
- 1:00-2:00 PM Grades 5-6
- 2:00-3:00PM Grades 7-8
Space is limited, so register here soon. Rec is also advertising the need for volunteer coaches. (Learn more by emailing recreation@southboroughma.com.)
The below announcement from organizers Sean Connelly & Brian Lowe explains why they are launching this opportunity:
New NFL Flag Football League Launches in Southborough for Grades 3-8
We are excited to announce the launch of a new NFL Flag Football league for boys and girls in grades 3-8. This partnership with the NFL brings official flag football programming to our community and is open to neighboring communities as well!
A Growing Sport for All
Flag football has emerged as one of the fastest-growing youth sports in America, with participation increasing by 38% since 2015. For younger girls ages 6-12, participation has surged by an astounding 222% over the past decade.
“Flag football affords boys and girls of all ages, body types, and athletic skills the opportunity to enjoy the values, fun and competitive environment that only football offers,” notes Troy Vincent Sr., NFL executive vice president of football operations.
Why Flag Football?
The no-contact nature of flag football makes it an appealing option for parents concerned about safety while still allowing children to develop fundamental football skills. NFL FLAG, the official flag football program of the NFL, serves over 765,000 youth athletes across all 50 states, making it the largest youth flag football organization in the country.
The sport has gained such momentum that it’s now being adopted at higher levels of competition. While high school boys flag programs are growing, there has been explosive growth among the girls’ programs with thirteen high school state associations having sanctioned girls flag football as a varsity sport and another nineteen states developing pilot programs. The sport will even make its Olympic debut in the coming years.
Join the Southborough League
Registration for the Southborough NFL Flag Football league is now open through the Southborough Recreation Department. The program welcomes both boys and girls in grades 3-8 who want to learn the game, develop skills, and have fun in an inclusive environment.
For more information or to register, visit the Southborough Recreation Department website at https://southboroughma.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30618 or contact Sean Connelly at sean.connelly@gmail.com.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the exciting world of flag football right here in Southborough!
