The country’s largest flag football league is coming to Gainesville in April.
National Flag Football, a Michigan-based company that organizes leagues for boys and girls ages 4 to 14, decided to expand north after finding success in South Florida, said Francis Meram, the company’s executive director.
He said the company saw potential in Gainesville. Registration for the nine-week season ends Feb. 24.
The total cost for the season is about $130, which includes an NFL-style jersey for each player and covers the cost of officials and staff during each game, he said.
He said the biggest benefit of playing youth flag football is learning to play the game skillfully and in a fun, safe environment.
“We do feel strongly that it’s not necessary to start kids off playing tackle,” he said. “Kids are still able to develop technical skills, even more so than playing tackle.”
Teams will be arranged based on children’s grade levels and schools, and games will be played at Possum Creek Park, located at 4009 NW 53rd Ave., Meram said.
Devin Gregory, 22, said he grew up playing flag football in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and continued playing as a high-school student at Cornerstone Academy in Gainesville.
The UF alumnus said playing the non-contact version of the sport teaches kids hard work, teamwork and how to accomplish goals, while not risking injury.
“Back then I was envious of kids that got to play tackle football,” he said. “Now, I can appreciate how much safer playing flag football was for me.”
