Teams are forming now for resident youth ages 6 to 9.
Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism has announced the creation of a new flag football program as an alternative to tackle football. The NFL Flag program is now open for enrollment, with practices beginning in August and games starting in September.
NFL Flag is a co-educational program which emphasizes football skills development, fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship and player safety. This modified version of football is played with small teams and a shortened field. Players will focus on skilled positions including quarterback, running back and wide receiver.
Roanoke County is piloting the program for ages 6 to 9 only, with possible future expansion to other age divisions. Registration will be taken online through the Parks, Recreation and Tourism department, and registrants must be County residents. Sign-up ends July 15. A $65 registration fee for the new program will cover an NFL replica jersey, flag belt and participant insurance.
Parks, Recreation and Tourism director Doug Blount is excited by the opportunities this program presents for area youth. “Flag football really provides an exciting alternative,” says Blount. “We hope the program will get new boys and girls into playing rec sports that haven’t previously been involved. It’s an initiative that will help get kids off the couch and onto the playing field, engaging in a wholesome physical activity.”
For questions about Roanoke County’s NFL Flag program, contact Allen Hayes at (540) 387-6078 ext. 0 or visit www.RoanokeCountyVA.gov/flagfootball.
