2023 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 + $55 jersey fee (if needed). Registration fee includes helmet, shoulder pads, practice jersey and pants. The game jerseys can be used for multiple years and are yours to keep. Players that bought their own equipment last year will receive a $25 equipment discount.

• Key Dates:

  • May 1st - Parent Meeting 6:30-7 at Kiwanis Pavilion on Padded Flag safety + Q & A (for parents new to Padded Flag who would like more info on the program)

  • May 1st - Registration opens

  • June 19th-21st - Victory Camp 9-11am at IHS Stadium

  • June 23rd - Registration Closes ($25 late fee for late registrations)

  • June 25th - Equipment Pick Up 4-6pm @ Elmwood Rec

  • July 25th - Parent Meeting 6-7pm @ Kiwanis Pavilion

  • July 30th - Coaches Meeting 6-8pm @ location TBA

  • August 1st - First practice 5:30-7pm @ Old Middle School

  • August 3rd - Draft

  • August 5th - Homedays Parade

  • August 25th - IYF Youth Night at Varsity Game

  • August 26th - First game

  • August 28th - Picture Day 5-8pm at Elmwood Rec

  • September 8th - MSPTO Youth Night and Homecoming at Varsity game

  • October 14th - 1st round of Playoffs

  • October 29th - Banquet

• Practices: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:30pm-7pm at the Old Middle School Field (by water tower) beginning on August 1st. The first 2 practices are helmets only and will be skill/evalution sessions with the draft being held on August 3rd. We will also have practices on Saturdays 8/12 and 8/19 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 26th

  • First round of playoffs/Bowl games is October 14th

  • Teams who with the playoff round move on to the Division Semi-Finals (10/21) with a Championship game (10/28) 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