YMCA Youth Flag Football – U8 (Ages 6–7)

The U8 Youth Flag Football program, inspired by NFL FLAG principles, is designed to introduce young athletes to the fundamentals of football in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Players will learn the basics of passing, catching, running, and flag pulling while beginning to understand simple game concepts like spacing, teamwork, and offensive/defensive roles.

At this age, the focus is on skill development, participation, and confidence-building. Practices and games emphasize equal playing time, encouragement, and learning through play. Coaches guide players through age-appropriate drills and simplified game formats that keep everyone engaged and active.

U8 athletes will continue developing hand-eye coordination, agility, and teamwork while being introduced to light competition in a positive and sportsmanship-focused setting. The goal is for every child to build a love for the game, grow in confidence, and have fun being part of a team.

YMCA Youth Flag Football – U8 (Ages 6–7)

The U8 Youth Flag Football program, inspired by NFL FLAG principles, is designed to introduce young athletes to the fundamentals of football in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Players will learn the basics of passing, catching, running, and flag pulling while beginning to understand simple game concepts like spacing, teamwork, and offensive/defensive roles.

At this age, the focus is on skill development, participation, and confidence-building. Practices and games emphasize equal playing time, encouragement, and learning through play. Coaches guide players through age-appropriate drills and simplified game formats that keep everyone engaged and active.

U8 athletes will continue developing hand-eye coordination, agility, and teamwork while being introduced to light competition in a positive and sportsmanship-focused setting. The goal is for every child to build a love for the game, grow in confidence, and have fun being part of a team.

YMCA Youth Flag Football – U10 (Ages 8–9)

The U10 Youth Flag Football program, aligned with NFL FLAG principles, builds on foundational skills while introducing more structured gameplay and team concepts. Players will continue developing core skills such as passing, catching, route running, and flag pulling, while gaining a deeper understanding of offensive and defensive strategies.

At this level, athletes begin to learn positions, basic play-calling, and game flow. Practices focus on skill refinement, teamwork, and decision-making, with an emphasis on spacing, timing, and communication. Games become slightly more competitive, while still prioritizing equal participation, sportsmanship, and positive coaching.

U10 players will grow in confidence and game awareness as they experience a more dynamic version of flag football. The program encourages effort, teamwork, and respect, helping each athlete continue developing their skills while fostering a lifelong enjoyment of the game.

YMCA Youth Flag Football – U10 (Ages 8–9)

The U10 Youth Flag Football program, aligned with NFL FLAG principles, builds on foundational skills while introducing more structured gameplay and team concepts. Players will continue developing core skills such as passing, catching, route running, and flag pulling, while gaining a deeper understanding of offensive and defensive strategies.

At this level, athletes begin to learn positions, basic play-calling, and game flow. Practices focus on skill refinement, teamwork, and decision-making, with an emphasis on spacing, timing, and communication. Games become slightly more competitive, while still prioritizing equal participation, sportsmanship, and positive coaching.

U10 players will grow in confidence and game awareness as they experience a more dynamic version of flag football. The program encourages effort, teamwork, and respect, helping each athlete continue developing their skills while fostering a lifelong enjoyment of the game.

YMCA Youth Flag Football – U15 (Ages 12–14)

The U15 Youth Flag Football program, aligned with NFL FLAG principles, provides a more advanced and competitive experience while continuing to emphasize skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Athletes will refine core football skills including passing accuracy, route precision, defensive coverage, and flag pulling, while executing more sophisticated offensive and defensive strategies.

At this level, players gain a deeper understanding of positions, formations, and play-calling. Practices focus on game execution, situational awareness, and decision-making, helping athletes read defenses, anticipate plays, and communicate effectively on the field. Teams may implement more complex schemes that challenge players to think critically and work cohesively.

Games are more structured and competitive, while still maintaining the YMCA’s commitment to positive coaching, respect, and inclusion. Players are encouraged to take on leadership roles, support teammates, and demonstrate accountability.

U15 athletes will continue to build confidence, leadership, and a strong understanding of the game, preparing them for future athletic opportunities while ensuring a fun, engaging, and meaningful team experience.

YMCA Youth Flag Football – U15 (Ages 12–14)

The U15 Youth Flag Football program, aligned with NFL FLAG principles, provides a more advanced and competitive experience while continuing to emphasize skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Athletes will refine core football skills including passing accuracy, route precision, defensive coverage, and flag pulling, while executing more sophisticated offensive and defensive strategies.

At this level, players gain a deeper understanding of positions, formations, and play-calling. Practices focus on game execution, situational awareness, and decision-making, helping athletes read defenses, anticipate plays, and communicate effectively on the field. Teams may implement more complex schemes that challenge players to think critically and work cohesively.

Games are more structured and competitive, while still maintaining the YMCA’s commitment to positive coaching, respect, and inclusion. Players are encouraged to take on leadership roles, support teammates, and demonstrate accountability.

U15 athletes will continue to build confidence, leadership, and a strong understanding of the game, preparing them for future athletic opportunities while ensuring a fun, engaging, and meaningful team experience.