Where Teamwork
Takes the Field

Get ready to play, learn, compete, and have fun! YMCA NFL FLAG Football gives young athletes ages 6–14 the opportunity to experience football in a fun, fast-paced, non-contact environment designed for players of all skill levels. Whether your child is picking up a football for the first time or already loves the game, our leagues focus on helping every player grow throughout the season.

Players are placed on age-appropriate teams and participate in weekly practices and games where they learn the fundamentals of flag football, including passing, catching, route running, flag pulling, defensive skills, positioning, and game strategy. Along the way, coaches help young athletes develop coordination, agility, communication, and an understanding of how to play as part of a team.

But at the YMCA, youth sports are about much more than the scoreboard. Our goal is to help kids build confidence, character, friendships, and a lifelong love of being active. Players learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership, perseverance, and respecting teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents. Every child should leave the season feeling like they contributed, improved, and belonged.

Through our partnership with the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, participants get to experience the excitement of an official NFL FLAG program right here in their own communities. Players receive an official Rams or Chargers reversible jersey, NFL FLAG belt, and flags, giving them the opportunity to suit up and represent one of Los Angeles’ NFL teams.

The Road to LA28 Starts Here

There has never been a more exciting time to play flag football in Los Angeles. In 2028, flag football will make its Olympic debut right here in our hometown at the LA28 Olympic Games, with both men’s and women’s competitions. That means the young athletes taking the field at the YMCA today are learning and playing a sport that will soon be showcased on one of the biggest stages in the world. For a new generation of players, the pathway can begin at a neighborhood YMCA and continue through middle school, high school, college, competitive flag football, and beyond. As Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world in 2028, the YMCA is excited to help introduce more young people to the game and inspire the next generation of athletes, coaches, officials, and fans.

Girls Belong on the Field

Flag football is for girls, too, and the future of the sport is female. Girls are helping drive the incredible growth of flag football across the country. Here in California, girls flag football is already a sanctioned high school sport, and opportunities for female athletes continue to expand at the youth, high school, collegiate, national, and international levels. At LA28, women will compete for an Olympic medal in flag football for the very first time. At the YMCA, we want girls to see themselves as athletes and know that there is a place for them on the field. Girls ages 6–14 are encouraged to register, whether they have years of experience or have never thrown a football before. Our co-ed leagues give girls the opportunity to develop their skills, compete, build confidence, take on leadership roles, and discover a sport that can continue with them for years to come. We aren’t just inviting girls to participate. We want girls to play, compete, lead, and help shape the future of flag football in Los Angeles.

No Experience Necessary

New to football? You are welcome here. Experienced player? There is room to grow. Our co-ed program is intentionally designed to introduce new athletes to the sport while giving returning players opportunities to continue developing their skills.

Positive Coaching

YMCA teams are supported by coaches who understand that how we play is just as important as whether we win. Coaches create an encouraging environment where young athletes can make mistakes, learn new skills, challenge themselves, and celebrate their progress.

A Place for Every Kid to Play

We believe youth sports should be an opportunity for kids to play, belong, build relationships, and discover what they are capable of. From the first practice to the final game, YMCA NFL FLAG is about creating an experience that young athletes and families will want to come back to season after season.