Lincoln-Way Youth Flag Football
Mission Statement
The mission of the Lincoln-Way Youth Flag Football program is to teach children ages 6 through 13 the basics and fundamentals of flag football while promoting the values of good sportsmanship and teamwork. Above all, the objective of the program is to provide children the opportunity to have fun and make friends while learning the game of football.
Eligibility
The Co-Ed Flag program consists of three divisions:
1) Pee Wee (Players that are 6-8 years old as of September 1st of the current year)
2) Intermediate (Players that are 9-10 years old as of September 1st of the current year)
3) Senior (Players that are 11-13 years old as of September 1st of the current year)
Age Breakdown
Players in question must show proof of age by birth certificate.
Format
The Co-Ed Pee Wee division is a 7v7 pass/run league.
The Girls Intermediate/Senior divisions are 7v7 pass/run leagues.
The Co-Ed Intermediate/Senior divisions are 7v7 pass only leagues, where every player is an eligible receiver.
**New for 2026, we are opening two girls only divisions (intermediate and senior)**
All players that are 6-8 years old as of September 1st of the current year begin in our co-ed division, where boys and girls play together while learning the fundamentals of the game, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a fun, supportive setting.
Starting at age 8+ (as of September 1st of current year), girls have the option to transition into our Girls Only Flag Football divisions, which provide an empowering, all-girls environment focused on skill development, confidence, and competition.
Parents of 8-year-old girls may choose the division that best fits their athlete:
- Continue in Co-Ed (Ages 6-8)
- OR move into Girls Only (Ages 8-10)
Girls-Only Divisions:
- Intermediate (Ages 8-10) Girls Only Flag Football
- Senior (Ages 11-13) Girls Only Flag Football
All ages are as of September 1st of the current year
Please be mindful of the girls only vs. co-ed league at signup. In the event we cannot field enough teams for girls only, participants will be rolled over in the co-ed league.
Teams
All eligible players will placed in a draft in late July with the head coaches. Team assignments will be emailed out by the league and individual coaches shortly after the draft.
Participation
Each player will play in every game. Player positions and substitutions are up to the discretion of the coaches. Team roster sizes are designed to allow for minimal substitution and player absences. It is important that players make every attempt to attend all practices and games.
Games
Games will be held on Saturday mornings (girls league will possibly be on Sundays, TBD) with the possibility of 2 weeknight games during the season. The first games will take place after the first 2 weeks of practice. Games will be played at Mokena Main Park. The official game schedule with dates and times will be available the first week of practice. (all details subject to change)
Practice
Flag Practice will start at the end of July / beginning of August. Practices will be held behind MES/MIS or behind the United Methodist Church in Mokena. Flag teams practice twice a week: Monday & Wednesday, or Tuesday & Thursday from approximately 5:30 PM until 7:00 PM. After team rosters have been established, team coaches will notify each player with information on their specific practice dates/times.
Equipment
Each flag player will be furnished with a personalized jersey, personalized practice shirt, and a set of flags. Players are allowed to keep their jersey and practice shirt. Jerseys will have the player’s last name printed on the back of the jersey and custom number, so it is important to have the correct spelling of the last name given at registration. Gym shoes or football shoes are required. Metal spikes are not permitted.
Parking
Parents are reminded to obey all posted signage regarding parking and speed limits. When dropping off and picking up your children from practices and games, please use extreme caution. Parents are asked to share this information with anyone responsible for dropping off or picking up their child.
Flag Bowl
The Flag Bowl is a special event that marks the end of the flag season. The Flag Bowl is a single-elimination tournament involving all flag teams. Each player will receive a commemorative award. The Flag Bowl winners receive championship rings. The Flag Bowl will take place in late September/early October. Exact dates, times, and location will be announced once the season begins.