KIDS FLAG FOOTBALL COMING TO PITTSFIELD

PITTSFIELD — A new coed youth flag football league is launching this spring in Pittsfield, giving Pikeland-area students a chance to learn the fundamentals of football while building skills, confidence, and community connections.

The league is a partnership between the city and the football program at Pikeland High School, and is open to Pikeland students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Organizers say the goal is to introduce kids to the game in a fun, non-contact environment while also creating mentorship opportunities between younger players and high school athletes.

The season will begin with a preseason practice on March 8, followed by Sunday games from March 15 through May 3. Four divisions will be offered: kindergarten and first grade; second and third grades; fourth and fifth grades; and sixth through eighth grades.

Registration costs $40 per child, with scholarships available upon request to help offset the fee. Each participant will receive a reversible home-and-away jersey, a flag belt, and a mouth guard. Players will work on core skills such as throwing and catching, with instruction and on-field assistance from members of the high school football team.

League organizers say the program benefits both age groups. Younger players gain exposure to football fundamentals and teamwork, while high school athletes strengthen their own understanding of the game by teaching and mentoring.

Pittsfield Mayor Gary Mendenhall praised the effort, calling it a positive addition for local families. He said the involvement of high school players gives younger children role models to look up to and helps strengthen ties within the community.

For now, the league is limited to Pikeland students, but organizers hope to expand participation in future seasons once the program is established. With flag football continuing to grow in popularity nationwide—particularly at the collegiate level—local leaders say Pittsfield is taking an exciting step forward in youth recreation.

The league will be based in Pittsfield, with organizers encouraging families to register early and take advantage of scholarship options if needed.