Develop Skills, Build Confidence, and Enjoy the Game in a Supportive Environment
🏈 Join the Fun—Register Today!
Looking for an exciting, non-contact football experience for your child? The Gateway Region YMCA’s Youth Flag Football League is designed to help kids develop skills, stay active, and learn the value of teamwork in a fun, inclusive environment. Open to boys and girls of all skill levels, our program focuses on fundamentals, sportsmanship, and game play – all without the tackles.
Why Choose YMCA Flag Football?
🏈 Fun & Inclusive
Our co-ed league welcomes all skill levels, from first-time players to future all-stars.
🎯 Skill Development
Kids learn the fundamentals of passing, catching, defense, and teamwork.
✅ Safe & Non-Contact
Players develop agility, coordination, and football IQ without the risk of tackling.
🏆 Character Building
Y sports emphasize sportsmanship, confidence, and respect on and off the field.
Season Dates & Locations
📍 Locations: Programs are offered at multiple YMCA locations across the St. Louis and Illinois area.
Spring Sports
🗓 Season Dates: April 5–May 17
🏐 Practices Start: Week of March 24
Registration Deadlines
◉ Early Bird Registration: Nov 25, 2024–Feb 17, 2025 (Save $15 on fees!)
◉ Open Registration: Feb 18–March 3
Spring Sports Include: Youth Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, and Flag Football.
Summer Sports
🗓 Season Dates: June 14–August 2
⚾️ Practices Start: Week of June 2
Registration Deadlines
◉ Early Bird Registration: February 24 – April 28 (Save $15 on fees!)
◉ Open Registration: April 29 – May 12
Summer Sports Include: T-Ball, Baseball, and Softball.
Fall I Sports
🗓 Season Dates: September 6 – October 11
⚽️ Practices Start: Week of August 25
Registration Deadlines
◉ Early Bird Registration: May 26 – July 21 (Save $15 on fees!)
◉ Open Registration: July 22 – August 4
Fall I Sports Include: Youth Soccer, Volleyball, and Flag Football.
Fall II Sports
🗓 Season Dates: November 1 - December 13
🏐 Practices Start: Week of October 20
Registration Deadlines
◉ Early Bird Registration: July 7 - September 15 (Save $15 on fees!)
◉ Open Registration: September 16-29
Fall II Sports Include: Volleyball and Basketball.
Winter Sports
🗓 Season Dates: February 1 - March 15
🏀 Practices Start: Week of January 20
Registration Deadlines
◉ Early Bird Registration: September 30 - December 9 (Save $15 on fees!)
◉ Open Registration: December 10 - January 6
Winter Sports Include: Youth Basketball and Volleyball.
What Parents & Players Are Saying
Private Sports Coaching
Elevate Your Game with Personalized Support & Training
For young athletes eager to take their volleyball skills to the next level, the Gateway Region YMCA offers exclusive private sports coaching sessions. These personalized training options provide children with the opportunity to work one-on-one with our experienced sports coaches, focusing on individual skill advancement and strategic understanding of the game.
Become a Super Fan: Skip the Line and Jump into the Action!
Introducing the YMCA's Super Fan Pass—your all-access ticket to sideline excitement without the wait. For all non-member enthusiasts eager to support their youth sports stars, this pass lets you head straight to the fun. (Because who wants to wait when the game's about to start?)
How to Get Your Super Fan Pass:
✅ Visit your local YMCA Welcome Center and request a Super Fan Pass.
✅ Present your photo ID.
✅ Grab your pass and enjoy the game!
Note: The Gateway Region YMCA is proudly accredited by Praesidium and strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy regarding child abuse. We require ID checks and conduct screenings to ensure the safety of all members at our branches.
Resources for Parents and Players
Youth Sports Parent Handbook
YMCA Coaches Handbook
Youth Sports at the YMCA
Your Child's Safety is Our Top Priority
Serving the youth in our community is a vital part of our mission, and we are committed to creating a safe environment for the thousands of children and teens we serve every year.
The Gateway Region YMCA has been awarded Praesidium Accreditation® by Praesidium, the leader in abuse risk management. Praesidium Accreditation® is a prestigious honor that publicly demonstrates the organization has worked to achieve the highest industry standards in abuse prevention.
Health Guidelines:
- Regular sanitization of facilities and equipment.
- Adherence to CDC recommendations.
Trained and Screened Staff:
- All staff are certified in First Aid and CPR.
- Coaches receive training in youth safety and wellness.
- Coaches, volunteers, and staff are required to pass criminal background checks.
- Adult members and guests in our facilities are screened against a national sex offender registry.
Emergency Procedures:
- Clear protocols for injuries and emergencies.
- Immediate communication with parents in case of incidents.