Youth Flag Football at the YMCA in Chester County
YMCA youth flag football leagues, powered by NFL FLAG, introduce kids to the fundamentals of the game in a safe, fun, and non-contact environment. Players build essential football skills—including passing, receiving, blocking, and learning both offensive and defensive strategies—while also developing teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence on and off the field.
Format: One practice per week with consistent scheduling and games held on Saturdays.
Locations: Offered at our Coatesville (Coatesville, PA), Jennersville (Atglen, PA), and Upper Main Line (Berwyn, PA) branches.
Ages: Programs available for children ages 4–17, grouped by age for fair play.
Included: Each participant receives an official NFL FLAG jersey.
YMCA Youth Sports
Accessible. Equitable. Development-Driven.
At the YMCA, we believe youth sports should be accessible to all—fostering equity, building character, and nurturing growth. Our programs are intentionally rooted in safety, youth development, and community, inspired by top national research like Project Play’s “Sport for All, Play for Life.” We remove barriers to participation, cultivate values through positive coaching, and continually evolve our approach so every child thrives—on and off the field.
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A hit to the head during a soccer game or a hard fall on the basketball court may result in a head injury and even a concussion. Do you worry about your child’s safety when it comes to playing sports?
Teens at the Y
Teens in our community are creative and passionate and have many talents to contribute – and we want to ensure they know this about themselves! Find the perfect teen programs at the YMCA.
More Sports Programs at the Y
The YMCA of Greater Brandywine offers a wide variety of sports programs for youth, teens and adults across Chester County including Basketball, tennis, Pickleball, Gymnastics and more!
More About YMCA Flag Football Offerings
- Backed by the NFL — the largest flag football program in the U.S.
- Official NFL-branded jerseys and equipment.
- Emphasis on safety: no tackling, no pads, just fun.
- Skill-building that translates to all sports (agility, coordination, strategy).
- Opportunity to learn football fundamentals without full-contact risks.
The YMCA provides a game jersey, flag belt and an end-of-season award. Players should bring a required mouthguard, labeled water bottle, athletic t-shirt shorts, and athletic shoes. Jeans, sweatpants and pocketed shorts are prohibited as well as jewelry, watches, wristbands and barrettes.
No experience required - our teams are inclusive and beginner-friendly.
Make a difference in your community by becoming a youth flag football coach. No prior coaching experience required—just enthusiasm, patience, and a commitment to supporting kids. Training and resources are provided. Get started.
Youth Sports Leagues
We offer NFL Flag Football leagues in two sessions: Fall (Sept-Nov) and Spring (April-June). Registration usually opens several weeks before the season begins.
NFL Flag Football Classes and Clinics
Youth Basketball classes and clinics follow our standard program schedules with monthly and academy offerings. View our program registration schedules.
Our flag football clinics and classes are designed to help young athletes learn and grow step by step. Classes focus on building strong fundamentals—Catching, throwing, the fundamentals of flag football, and teamwork—while clinics provide opportunities to practice those skills in a supportive, small-group setting. Each experience emphasizes development, progression, and confidence, helping players build a solid foundation and a lifelong love for the game.
Rising Stars NFL Flag Football Clinic: Ages 4-5 Co-ed
Monthly Program
With a focus on developing basic flag football skills, teamwork and sportsmanship, this is perfect for young children of every ability. Coaches instruct flag football skills such as passing, catching, running and defense in age-appropriate skills and drill instruction.
Shooting Stars NFL Flag Clinic (Ages 6-8 Co-Ed)
With a focus on developing basic flag football skills, teamwork and sportsmanship, this is perfect for young children of every ability. Coaches instruct flag football skills such as passing, catching, running and defense in age-appropriate skills and drill instruction.
SuperStars NFL Flag Clinic (9-11) All-Stars (12-14)
This football clinic meets once a week with a focus on developing basic football skills such as passing, running and defense. YMCA staff introduce basic game concepts and enhance your player’s experience through age and skill-appropriate drills and scrimmages.
Sports Performance Training: Flag Football I (Ages 9-11); Flag Football II (Ages 12-14)
Athletes will partake in performance designed programming focusing on skill and athletic development. This program is designed to gradually increase athletic performance by building upon the current foundation through Flag Football instruction as well as athletic conditioning in a small group training setting.
NFL Flag Football Leagues
A shirt, flag belt and end of season participation award is included with registration. Interested in volunteering with youth sports as a coach or ambassador?
Future Stars Flag Football: Ages 4-5 Co-ed
The Future Stars Flag Football League is the perfect introduction to Flag Football for ages 4-5. Through fun games and simple drills, players learn the basics of passing, catching, running and defense while building confidence and teamwork. Our goal is to spark excitement for the game and help every child shine like the star they are!
Shooting Stars NFL Flag Football League I: Ages 6/7 Co-ed
Young athletes focus on developing basic Flag Football skills, team work and sportsmanship. This league is the perfect introduction to the sport of Flag Football. Volunteer coaches instruct children on Flag Football skills such as passing, catching, running and defense while introducing basic game concepts.
Shooting Stars NFL Flag Football League II: Ages 8/9 Co-ed
Young athletes focus on developing basic Flag Football skills, team work and sportsmanship. This league is the perfect introduction to the sport of Flag Football. Volunteer coaches instruct children on Flag Football skills such as passing, catching, running and defense while introducing basic game concepts. End of Season Tournament between branches will be held. Past Title Holders: Spring 2025 Jennersville YMCA Steelers
Superstars NFL Flag Football League: Ages 10/11 Co-ed
Young athletes focus on developing basic Flag Football skills, team work and sportsmanship. This league is the perfect introduction to the sport of Flag Football. Volunteer coaches instruct children on Flag Football skills such as passing, catching, running and defense while introducing basic game concepts. End of Season Tournament between branches will be held. Past Title Holders: Fall 2024: Upper Main Line YMCA Seahawks & Spring 2025: Upper Main Line YMCA Dolphins
All-Stars NFL Flag Football League I: Ages 12-14 Co-ed
Young athletes focus on developing basic Flag Football skills, team work and sportsmanship. This league is the perfect introduction to the sport of Flag Football. Volunteer coaches instruct children on Flag Football skills such as passing, catching, running and defense while introducing basic game concepts. End of Season Tournament between branches will be held. Past Title Holders: Spring 2025: Coatesville YMCA Falcons (Black)
All-Stars NFL Flag Football League II: Ages 15-17 Co-ed
Young athletes focus on developing basic Flag Football skills, team work and sportsmanship. This league is the perfect introduction to the sport of Flag Football. Volunteer coaches instruct children on Flag Football skills such as passing, catching, running and defense while introducing basic game concepts. End of Season Tournament between branches will be held.
- Athletes are permitted to play up into an older age division if appropriate, but may not play down into a younger age division. i.e. 6-8 to play in 9-11, all based on families approval/recommendation.
- Age groups may be combined in the event of low registration; however, combinations will remain within appropriate developmental ranges to ensure that athletes’ physical and social development are supported.
- If our enrollment is lower than needed for leagues, we may shift the program to a clinic styled program.
Youth NFL Flag Football offerings are available at the following YMCA locations across Chester County:
- Coatesville YMCA in Coatesville, PA
- Jennersville YMCA in West Grove, PA
- Upper Main Line YMCA in Berwyn, PA
Browse youth sports offerings at the Y with Activity Finder.
NFL Flag League schedules are based on a number of factors including field availability, coach availability and the age level of the participants. Younger students typically have practice and games one day per week with practice and a game held together in a single time block. Older students typically hold a week-night practice separate from their weekend scheduled game.
During registration, families have the opportunity to note one day that does NOT work for their schedule. Schedules will be sent out at a later date.
Families interested in having a set schedule can explore our clinic and class offerings, which are held weekly with no deviations to the schedule.
To help ensure that all youth sports league participants and families have a positive experience, the YMCA may extend leagues to compete across branches in a regional capacity. The complete list of locations are listed below and travel is typically limited to the locations closest to your "home" branch.
- Coatesville YMCA in Coatesville, PA
- Jennersville YMCA in West Grove, PA
- Upper Main Line YMCA in Berwyn, PA
All players MUST play at least half of each game. No one player may play the entire game unless their team has only enough players to field one team.
No, YMCA membership is not required, though members receive discounted rates.
Yes! We’re committed to ensuring all kids can play, regardless of financial circumstances. Simply ask our membership or sports staff for how to get started.