2024 Flag Football Season

General League Details

This is a developmental, recreational flag football league. Whether it’s a first experience or in preparation for another minor football program, we welcome all skill levels and aim to show you the fun, recreational side of football.

The flag football season runs from the end of April to end of June. Registration typically opens in January and usually runs until end of February or until all divisions are full.

The league plays on Sunday afternoons at East Lake Park on both the East and West fields (on either side of the tennis courts). Typically there are two time sessions, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Each session includes a 45-60 minute practice and 30-45 minute game.

The flag football season will begin with a "Team Meet and Greet" and will run for 8 weeks starting at the end of April, depending on weather (no sessions on Victoria Day weekend). The season ends with a year-end tournament at the end of June.

Dates/times are subject to change and final schedule will be determined after registration closes. Division/age groups may also be subject to change, or be combined, depending on registration numbers.

The following divisions are available for registration this year. Age groups are based on birth year, regardless of what school grade level your player is currently in.

5V5 COACH PASSING - DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE

• 8u Division (for players born in 2017 or younger/no younger than 6 yrs old) 
  1:00 pm timeslot

This league is for players who have never played before, have only one year experience or who want more development in the sport before moving up to the recreational league. Coaches are here to teach/develop only so your child will learn the basic fundamentals of passing /catching and some basic rules and gameplay. One or two Offensive Coach(s) calling plays and passing the ball for players as QB.  One or two Defensive coach(s) calling defense 10-15 yards behind players. Depending on the number of registrations, divisions/teams may be separated by age or combined.

5v5 Player Passing - RECREATION LEAGUE

• 10u Division (2015 birthyear or younger) 
  3:00 pm timeslot

• 12u Division (2013 birthyear or younger)
  1:00 pm timeslot

• 14u Division (2011 birthyear or younger)
   3:00 pm timeslot

This league is for players, coaches or teams who play to have FUN. Your child will learn the basic fundamentals of passing /catching and is designed to help develop an understanding of rules, teamwork, fundamentals and sportsmanship. This is a great way for our players to learn the basics of the game, and develop the skills and techniques necessary to succeed on both offense and defense. The slate of practices and games ensures that all participants receive comprehensive instruction and gain a keen understanding of the sport. Although recreational, teams are still competitive in nature, but are not competing to represent the AFS at regional tournaments. One Offensive Coach on the field calling plays but with a player at QB.  Defensive coach(s) to be on sideline once plays commence.  Depending on the number of registrations, divisions/teams may be separated by age or combined depending on player age or ability.

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**NEW THIS YEAR

5V5 PLAYER PASSING - COMPETITIVE TEAMS

This is for players, coaches and teams who play to win, and have a skill level to reflect that. Our Competitive Team format is a natural fit for young players who have developed into all-stars on their respective recreational teams. These players will develop a greater love for the game and improve their individual skill set at a much quicker pace by playing with and against other highly skilled players and teams. Registered players will be evaluated and placed on teams by the head coaches (minimum of 7 players and maximum of 10 players). Coaches then schedule their own practices, and games depending on the number of teams created. This process of scheduling is NOT the responsibility of the AFS.  Competitive Teams are open to both Male & Females and may be combined/separated based on our numbers. Teams can practice as many times as they’d like and times/locations are up to the coach’s discretion. These teams will compete for an opportunity to represent the AFS in regional tournaments in June and July as well as a chance to compete at the Canadian NFL Flag Nationals in Fall of 2024 and the NFL Pro Bowl Games in Feb 2025.

• 8u - Birthyear 2017 and 2018

• 10u - Birthyear 2015 and 2016

• 12u - Birthyear 2013 and 2014

• 14u - Birthyear 2011 and 2012

• 16u - Birthyear 2009 and 2010

*Schedule/fees are to-be-determined for the competitive program, depending on interest. If you are interested in this competitive option, please register your player and more information will follow.

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Birth certificates (Competitive Program ONLY) and Alberta Health numbers are required for age and insurance verification.

All equipment is provided including a jersey, flags and mouth guard, with the exception of shorts/pants and cleats/runners to be the responsibility of the player (no pockets and no metal cleats allowed). The jersey, flags and mouth guard are yours to keep as part of your registration. All players are required to have a mouth guard in while on the field of play. Players can provide their own mouth guard if they so chose.

Kids Sport (www.kidsportcanada.ca) is available for those needing financial assistance.

All proceeds from league fees and merchandise sales go directly back to league costs. All executive board members and staff are unpaid volunteers and no profit is taken from the league.