Registration Now Open!
Registration Deadline is Sunday, August 31st.
Methuen Rangers Youth Flag Football
Fall 2025 Season
Get Ready for Touchdowns and Teamwork!
The Methuen Recreation Department is thrilled to announce the return of our popular Youth Flag Football League for Fall 2025, in partnership with the New England Flag Football League (NEFFL)! Get ready for an exciting season of non-contact football fun, skill development, and community spirit.

League Highlights
- Open to All: This co-ed league welcomes boys and girls aged 3 to 15 years old. No prior experience is necessary – just a willingness to learn and have fun!
- Comprehensive Season: Our season includes a preseason, 5 regular-season games, followed by thrilling playoff and championship games. Every team earns a spot in
the playoffs, ensuring all players get to experience the excitement of postseason play!
- Player Gear: Each participant receives an official sublimated SHS jersey, a flag belt, and a football for their team to use.
- Character-Themed Teams: To add an extra layer of excitement and fun, each team will be named after a beloved Looney Tunes character! Get ready to cheer for the "Bugs Bunny Blitzers" or the "Tazmanian Devils Tacklers!"
- A Growing Sport: Flag football is one of the fastest-growing youth sports, and our league is incredibly popular! The older age divisions tend to fill up particularly quickly, so we encourage early registration to secure your child's spot.
Game Rules Overview (Ages 3-15)
Our league focuses on fostering a positive and developmental environment for all players. While specific detailed rules will be provided to registered families, here's a general overview of how games are adapted for different age groups to ensure safety, skill development, and enjoyment:
General Flag Football Principles:
- Non-Contact: The primary rule across all age groups is no contact. Tackling is replaced by "flag pulling."
- Flag Pulling: To "tackle" an opponent, a defensive player must pull one of the ball carrier's flags.
- No Blocking: Generally, blocking is not allowed to prevent contact and emphasize finesse and strategy.
- Passing Focused: The game emphasizes passing, receiving, and strategic plays rather than brute force.
- Sportsmanship: Emphasis is always placed on respect for teammates, opponents, and officials.
Age-Specific Adaptations:
- Ages 3-5 (Pee-Wee Division):
- Focus: Fun, basic motor skills, following directions, and introducing football concepts in a highly supportive environment.
- Rules: Likely fewer players on the field, very lenient rules regarding offsides/penalties. Coaches are often on the field guiding play. Emphasis on participation and getting touches. Simple passing routes and run plays.
- Game Flow: Short quarters/halves to maintain engagement. Scorekeeping may be de-emphasized or not kept at all.
- Ages 6-8 (Junior Division):
- Focus: Understanding basic game flow, positions, and developing fundamental skills (passing, catching, running with flags).
- Rules: Introduction of downs, first downs, and basic offensive/defensive positions. More structured play, but still with significant coach guidance. Simplified penalty enforcement. May introduce limited rushing on the quarterback.
- Game Flow: Slightly longer halves, formal scorekeeping, but with an emphasis on equal playing time.
- Ages 9-11 (Intermediate Division):
- Focus: Developing strategic understanding, advanced individual skills, and teamwork.
- Rules: More defined rules regarding rushing the quarterback (e.g., a "blitz count" or specific number of seconds before rushing is allowed). More complex offensive plays and defensive schemes. Standard penalty enforcement is introduced.
- Game Flow: Standard game length, competitive play, with continued focus on sportsmanship and player development.
- Ages 12-15 (Senior Division):
- Focus: Advanced strategy, refined individual technique, competitive play, and leadership.
- Rules: Closer to traditional flag football rules. Quicker rush count for the quarterback, more complex offensive and defensive formations allowed. Full penalty enforcement.
- Game Flow: Highly competitive games, mirroring more advanced flag football play while maintaining the non-contact principle.
Parents: We Need YOU!
Our Methuen Rec Youth Flag Football seasons run smoother and are more successful when parents generously volunteer their time to help coach! No prior coaching experience is necessary – just a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and guide young athletes. Coaching is a rewarding way to be directly involved in your child's activities and contribute to a fantastic community program. If you're interested in coaching, please indicate your interest during the registration process or contact the Methuen Recreation Department directly. We provide resources and support to all our volunteer coaches!
Don't miss out on the Fall 2025 Methuen Rangers Youth Flag Football season! Register early to secure your spot and get ready for a season of fun, skill-building, and exciting Looney Tunes-themed competition!
Program Details:
Date: September 12 - November 14, 2025
Day: Friday Nights
Time / Ages:
Lil' Ballers Division (3y - 5y): 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
6U Division (5y - 6y): 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
8U Division (7y - 8y): 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
10U Division (9y - 10y): 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
12U Division (11y - 12y): 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
15U Division (13y - 15y): 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost: $179 Residents / $189 Non-residents (5y-15y)
Cost: $129 Residents / $139 Non Residents (3y-5y)
Location: Nicholson Stadium/Veterans Park
Fall 2025 Friday Schedule:
September 12, 2025 - Check-In Day
September 19, 2025
September 26, 2025
October 3, 2025
October 10, 2025
October 17, 2025
October 24, 2025
November 7, 2025 - Championships
November 14, 2025 - Rain Date
Registration Deadline is Sunday, August 31st.