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Chris Widmaier/Dave Lockett
National Football League
(212) 450-2000

NFL YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUES PROVIDE KIDS WITH FUN COMPETITION THROUGHOUT FALL
Approximately 25,000 Boys And Girls Ready To Play Football

NEW YORK, August 15, 1997 -- Approximately 25,000 boys and girls will participate this fall in youth flag football leagues developed by the National Football League, and sponsored by Nike. NFL Flag, presented by Nike will provide boys and girls ages 6-14, with non-contact flag football leagues which run from September through November.

Now in its second year, NFL Flag has expanded from six to 12 markets, including Arizona, Carolina, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Miami, New England, Philadelphia and San Diego. Teams in each market will be provided with reversible uniforms that are similar to those worn by their local NFL team.

"The NFL is committed to providing even more children with the chance to play organized football," said Scott Lancaster, director of youth development for NFL Properties, the marketing arm of the NFL. "Our flag leagues will create a fun, family-oriented atmosphere for young children to develop basic football skills, and for older kids to test their skills against their peers."

NFL Flag offers two modified versions of traditional flag football that children of any age will find easy and fun to play. The games include NFL Ultimate Football, which promotes continuous action and teamwork, and is ideal for younger fans because there are no set positions and everyone touches the ball; and NFL Flag Football, a five-on-five version of traditional flag football (a flag hanging from a waist belt, which must be snatched by an opponent).

"Because our leagues are flag-based, they require minimal equipment and cost, and promote both female and male participation," Lancaster said. "Our goal is to make sure that every child who plays NFL Flag, regardless of gender or level of experience, comes away with a positive experience."

Four age categories (6&7 year-olds, 8&9, 10&11, and 12-14) and six divisions will make up each league. Children 9 and under will play in coed leagues, while kids 10-14 will play on separate boys and girls teams. Each team will consist of approximately 10 players. A "How to Play Guide" and rule book will be distributed to all registered teams, players and their families.

The NFL will work with a variety of community-based youth sports organizations to run leagues on the local level, including the National Recreation & Parks Association, YMCAs and Police Athletic Leagues. Leagues will be publicized locally through in-school promotions and local NFL events.

Children interested in playing in a local NFL Flag league can call 1-800-NFL-SNAP, or visit their local Foot Locker store for registration information. Parents and children throughout the country who do not live in one of the 12 designated markets, but would like to launch an NFL Flag league in their community can also call the toll-free number for further information.

Launched in 1996 in Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, Miami and Philadelphia, NFL Flag and is an element of the NFL’s "Play Football" initiative to provide exciting new ways for children to play, watch and enjoy the game of football. Other "Play Football" programs include NFL C.I.T.Y. (Challenge and Inspire Today’s Youth) Football; NFL Gatorade Punt, Pass & Kick; NFL Starter Youth Training Camps; and Kmart NFL Family/Stadium Days.