Indianapolis Flag Football Leagues for Kids
DISCLAIMER: Hey reader! theCityMoms is proud to partner with RCX Sports Foundation. That means you’ll occasionally see sponsored content like this — reads we genuinely think your family will enjoy. And trust us, this one’s worth the scroll.
Flag football has exploded into one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the nation. With football being one of America's favorite sports, the rise of a youth flag football league in most areas shows ZERO signs of slowing down. If you’ve got a football fan at home, or a kiddo who’s always on the move (is anyone else always looking for ways to get the energy out, or is that just me???), this sport is absolutely worth giving a try!
Here are all the reasons to love it, plus a guide to getting your child signed up this season.
Mom to mom...here is why I love flag football for kids and a guide for the best flag football programs in Indianapolis:
Tackle Football vs Flag Football
Maybe you're wondering about the difference between the two. Well, unlike tackle football, flag football focuses on the game as well as football fundamentals like speed, ball handling, strategy, and agility, WITHOUT the hard hits.
Paige Conlin, marketing manager for RCX Sports Foundation says, “It is a great opportunity for kids to play football in a recreational, non-contact form."
Flag football has grown by 38% since 2015, with over 2,000 leagues in the United States for a reason. With no tackling (whew!) and less equipment, it’s an easy “yes” for families.
The game is fast and exciting as the players are able to move the ball quickly, without the heavy pads and tackles. And watching your kids score touchdowns, learn plays, and be part of a team is the best!
Have you heard of RCX Sports Foundation?
RCX Sports Foundation is a non-profit, premier youth sports partner for numerous professional leagues such as the MLB, NHL, and NFL. It is an official operator of NFL FLAG, creating a statewide network designed to link young athletes to leagues across Indiana through the Colts NFL Flag Football League.
Colts NFL Flag Football is an exceptional program for different levels of play, including first-time players. In addition to being a great place to learn the fundamentals of football, flag football also teaches physical skills like hand-eye coordination and balance that transfer well to other sports.
Conlin also mentions the value of getting children involved with a team. On the field, teammates must work together, learning how to communicate, lead, and support one another with good sportsmanship. These are skills that will help a child grow in and out of sports! Win-win!
We also love that the Colts NFL Flag Football provides exclusive opportunities, but in an inclusive environment. The RCX Sports Foundation’s partnership with NFL Flag is dedicated to diversity and inclusion, welcoming athletes of ALL skill levels, gender, body type, and ability. The league offers co-ed programming, creating opportunities for everyone to participate.
Looking for a name for your team? Read this:
Flag Football Leagues for Kids in Indiana
There are many different leagues across the state of Indiana–both co-ed and all-female, youth and high school! In Indiana, girls flag football is considered an emerging sport by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). The Indianapolis Colts have been a leader in the support of the girls-only leagues movement, hopeful to add 100 girls teams to high schools by Fall 2025. Now that’s what we call girl power!
What you will find in youth NFL Flag branded leagues like the Colts NFL Flag Football League is that the structure of the program is similar, no matter where you play, even outside of Indiana. (Which is very possible as NFL Flag Youth Leagues are found in all 50 states.)
In an NFL Flag league, typically a team meets just one day a week, with an hour practice before an hour game. This lower time commitment sport is a big “W” for families with multiple kids in multiple activities and for young athletes with many sports passions. Not to mention, families can find flag football activities throughout the year, including a spring season, through NFL Flag programs for those who end up LOVING it and wanting more!
All participants are placed on a team of about 10-11 players. Every player receives a NFL Flag Football belt and an NFL-branded jersey. For some programs in Indiana, such as the Colts Flag Football League, your child will receive a Colts-branded jersey. In other Indiana leagues, you can make requests, but could get assigned to any NFL team.
Calling Volunteer Coaches: No Experience Needed!
Youth sports cannot survive without volunteers for both head coaches and assistant coaches. Many leagues, including the Colts NFL Flag Football league, are not just looking for players, but are also looking for volunteer coaches in all areas across the state.
Conlin advises that you do not need to be familiar with football to coach. “A willingness to learn and be open to feedback and resources is important," says Conlin adding, “Being 100% with the kids is key. It’s about getting them to enjoy the game, encouraging them to be on a team, and making it fun."
NFL Flag leagues offer resources and virtual training sessions before the season starts, so all coaches feel prepared to lead a team. Even if you aren't interested in being one of the head coaches, you can still play an important role volunteering in some capacity!
Colts Flag Football League Options and the Registration Process:
Thanks to support from the Indianapolis Colts and RCX Sports Foundation, there's an exciting opportunity to be part of the Colts NFL Flag Football Network in many areas of the state. League participants have exclusive opportunities to engage in Colts events and programs.
RCX Sports Foundation also hosts NFL Flag Football leagues in South Bend and St. John, Indiana outside of the Colts club partnership, but with the same great structure for your player!
Learn more about the Colts NFL Flag Football league and where it operates. Registration for fall leagues is open now! Find locations and dates for the fall leagues here today.
Registration closes July 27, 2025.
Ready to sign up?
Find a league close to you here.
Go through the registration process.
Mark your calendar for season dates.
Interested in coaching? Check the league site for details!
If you have further questions, visit the website or contact the RCX Colts NFL League Coordinator at info@coltsnflflag.com or 317-759-2691.
List of Additional Flag Football Leagues in Indiana:
If a Colts NFL Flag Football league isn’t close to you or the fall session isn’t great for your family’s schedule, you can still get in on the action with one of the many other leagues across the State of Indiana.
Colts Flag Football Network:
The broader Colts Flag Football Network includes the RCX Foundation leagues as well as many YMCA programs in and around greater Indianapolis, Grand Park, local churches, and more, offering NFL Flag programs no matter where you are throughout the year. These leagues also offer unique programming and events with the Indianapolis Colts.
Find leagues within the Colts Flag Football Network here.
Legacy Sports Club:
Offering year-round sessions in their indoor facility in Lafayette, Legacy is a great option to stay active and play football no matter the season through their Friday Night Lights NFL Flag leagues. Summer sessions are currently in progress.
Check the website for the fall registration process here.
Off The Wall Sports:
Registration will be available in August for their October session in Carmel. Their flag football programs are available for 3rd through 6th graders.
Boys and Girls Club:
Many chapters from Terre Haute to Greater Northwest Indiana offer NFL Flag leagues throughout the year. Check in with your local chapter to start the registration process.
Local High Schools:
Some Indiana high schools have youth programs that teach the fundamentals to players in supportive settings, all while rocking the local school’s colors! Check in with the high schools closest to you to see what is available.
Flag football is rising in popularity in and around Indy. Will your player be out on the field this fall? Message us on Instagram @thecitymoms and tell us! Don’t see a local league listed here? Don’t worry. NFL Flag has a great search tool on their website to find the league closest to you!
