Unrivaled Sports Launches Football Youth and the All-American Flag Series: A New Era for Youth Flag Football
In an exciting development for young athletes across the nation, Unrivaled Sports has officially launched Football Youth, a new platform dedicated to enhancing youth flag football experiences. Announced on October 2, 2024, this initiative will introduce the inaugural All-American Flag Series, showcasing some of the best young flag football players in the United States. This new venture aligns with Unrivaled Sports’ commitment to providing top-tier competition and development opportunities for individual athletes in various sports, including soccer, baseball, and softball.
A Premier Platform for Young Athletes
Football Youth is set to become a cornerstone of Unrivaled Sports’ programming, joining the ranks of Soccer Youth and the All-Ripken Games. The All-American Flag Series aims to create an environment where young athletes can compete at the highest level while enjoying the camaraderie and excitement that comes with team sports. Amanda Shank, Executive Vice President of Business Development at Unrivaled Sports, expressed her enthusiasm for the new platform, stating, "We’ve heard tremendous feedback from families and athletes about our Soccer Youth and All-Ripken properties, and we’re excited to expand those opportunities to girls and boys in flag football."
Iconic Venues and Competitive Play
The All-American Flag Series will feature tournament play at some of the most iconic venues across the country. The 2025 schedule includes exciting stops at the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex in Round Rock, Texas, from July 18-20, and the ForeverLawn Sports Complex at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio, from August 8-10. These venues are not only known for their state-of-the-art facilities but also for their rich sports history, making them the perfect backdrop for young athletes to showcase their skills.
The culmination of the series will be the All-American Flag Nationals, set to take place in Florida in December. This event will bring together the top players from the summer tournaments, providing them with a platform to compete for national recognition. For those interested in participating, full schedule details and nomination information can be found at footballyouth.com.
The Growing Popularity of Flag Football
Flag football has seen a remarkable surge in popularity over the past decade, particularly among youth. With its inclusion as an Olympic sport in the upcoming 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, the sport is poised for even greater visibility. According to the International Federation of American Football, approximately 2.4 million children under the age of 17 participate in organized flag football in the U.S. Notably, the sport has become increasingly popular among girls, with nearly half a million girls playing flag football in 2023—a staggering 63% increase since 2019.
Scott Hacker, Senior Vice President of Programming and Strategic Development at Unrivaled Sports, commented on the significance of this growth: "The All-American Flag Series is poised to elevate youth football just as our other properties have done for baseball and soccer." He emphasized the unique experiences that the series will offer, allowing families to connect with other players and their families from across the country.
Building on a Strong Foundation
The launch of the All-American Flag Series builds on Unrivaled Sports’ existing Flag Football Division, which has already made significant strides in promoting youth flag football events. The ForeverLawn Sports Complex, for instance, recently hosted the inaugural NFL Flag Championships on ESPN and the NEFFL’s Flag Football World Championships, attracting over 500 teams from across the nation. The All-American Flag Series aims to continue this momentum, providing individual players with the opportunity to compete at world-class venues alongside top talent.
About Unrivaled Sports
Founded by Josh Harris and David Blitzer, with a strategic investment from The Chernin Group (TCG), Unrivaled Sports oversees a diverse portfolio of youth sports properties across various disciplines, including baseball, softball, football, soccer, and action sports. In partnership with Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr., Unrivaled Sports has established a reputation for delivering exceptional experiences for young athletes. Their commitment to fostering talent and creating memorable experiences is evident in their extensive offerings, which now include the All-American Flag Series.
For more information about Unrivaled Sports and their initiatives, visit playunrivaled.com.
Conclusion
The launch of Football Youth and the All-American Flag Series marks a significant milestone in the world of youth sports. By providing young athletes with opportunities to compete at premier facilities and connect with peers from across the nation, Unrivaled Sports is not only elevating the profile of flag football but also enriching the lives of countless young players. As the sport continues to grow, initiatives like these will play a crucial role in shaping the future of youth athletics in America.