2024 PADDED FLAG: 3RD/4TH GRADE

Padded Flag is the perfect way to prepare kids for tackle football in 5th grade. This is a “Limited-Contact” bridge game between Flag and Rookie Tackle that introduces kids to wearing pads, higher cognitive game play and light to moderate contact. Also, many parents feel it’s safer having their kids wear full pads to play flag as they are getting a little older, bigger, faster and stronger.

• Cost: $175 + $75 jersey fee ($50 discount on jersey if you purchased one in 2023). Registration fee includes helmet, shoulder pads, practice jersey and pants. The game jerseys can be used for multiple years and are yours to keep.

• Key Dates:

  • May 22 - Safety Meeting -7pm in the Willow Room at the Civic Center on Padded Flag safety + Q & A (for parents new to Padded Flag who would like more info on the program)

  • June 17-19 - Victory Camp 9-11am at IHS Stadium

  • June 23rd - Registration Closes

  • June 29 - Equipment Pick Up 8-10am at Old Middle School Field

  • July 25 - Parent Meeting 7pm @ Kiwanis Pavilion

  • July 30 - First practice 5:30-7pm @ Old Middle School

  • August 3 - Homedays Parade @ 12:00

  • August 24 - First game

  • August 26 - Picture Day at Fieldhouse

  • October 12 - 1st round of Playoffs

• Practices: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30pm-7pm at the Old Middle School Field (by water tower) beginning on July 30. The first 2 practices are helmets only. We will also have practices on Saturdays 8/3, 8/10 and 8/17 9-10:30.

• Games: We will play 7 regular season games and at least 1 play-off game or bowl game as part of the Lake Erie Youth Football League, LEYFL, (Amherst, Avon, Buckeye, Cloverleaf, Independence, Midview, North Ridgeville and Rocky River). Games will be played Saturday mornings from 9-12 at the various communities in our league including home games.

  • First game is August 24

  • First round of playoffs/Bowl games is October 12

  • Teams who with the playoff round move on to the Division Semi-Finals (10/19) with a Championship game (10/26) for Semi-Final winners

  • More information is on the league website https://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=leyfl and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LakeErieYouthFootball

  • We play in this league because it is the closest 3rd/4th padded flag league around and it is an experienced league that is committed to the USA Football model, upholding good sportmanship to best ensure a positive experience for all players. Drive times for away games are 20-40 minutes.

We are in need of coaches, if you are interested contact us at independenceyouthfootball@gmail.com