Parent FAQ: PNL Flag Football
What is the Pittsburgh National Flag Football League?
The Pittsburgh National League is not just a youth flag football league. It is the #1 youth flag football league in Pennsylvania and the only league in Pennsylvania ever named NFL FLAG League of the Year. We provide a fun, organized, and competitive environment where players of all skill levels can thrive.
What sets us apart? Our league is built on a foundation of teamwork, sportsmanship, and community. We’re dedicated to ensuring every player has an opportunity to develop their skills, grow in confidence, and create lasting memories. Our experienced coaches, high-quality programs, and official NFL-branded gear give kids the authentic NFL FLAG experience.
Here is what PNL families get:
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Professional Standards: A league nationally recognized for its organization, inclusivity, and success.
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Age-Appropriate Divisions: From our Rookie League for beginners (ages 4-6) to advanced competition for older players (ages 7-18), every child finds their place to shine.
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Top Facilities: Games at premier locations like Boyce Park and Linton Middle School ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Unique Programs: All-girls divisions, travel teams, tournaments and the PNL Live Draft.
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Community Impact: We believe in making football accessible for everyone, supported by the NFL FLAG Grant for families who qualify.
At the Pittsburgh National League, we don’t just play football. We build a community where kids can grow as athletes and individuals.
Where can my child play youth flag football in Pittsburgh?
PNL plays at four fields across Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania: Linton Middle School in Penn Hills (Saturdays), Boyce Park in Plum for Monroeville and Plum families (Sundays), Dickson Elementary in Swissvale (Thursdays) and Mellon Park in the East End (Fridays). Practices are set by each team’s coach.
See every location, with directions and parking, on our Locations page.
Is youth flag football good for beginners?
Yes. Youth flag football is an excellent option for beginners. Pittsburgh National League offers age-appropriate divisions that focus on fundamentals, confidence, and having fun. Our Rookie League (ages 4–6) is specifically designed for first-time players, while older divisions emphasize skill development in a safe, non-contact environment.
How can I get involved as a volunteer or sponsor?
We welcome volunteers and sponsors to help support the league. Visit our volunteer and sponsor pages to learn how you can contribute.
Can I volunteer to coach in the league?
Yes! We’re always looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers to join our coaching team. Coaches play a vital role in our league, shaping the experience for young athletes by teaching teamwork, sportsmanship, and the fundamentals of flag football.
Whether you’re a seasoned coach or new to the role, we provide the resources and support you need to succeed. Coaching is a rewarding way to give back to the community and make a lasting impact on the lives of players.
If you’re interested in volunteering as a coach, please email us at info@pittsburghnflleague.com to learn more. We’d love to have you on our team!
How can I register to play in the Pittsburgh National Flag Football League?
Families can register online through our Registration page, where current divisions, locations, and season details are listed.
What ages can play youth flag football in Pittsburgh with Pittsburgh National League (PNL)?
For Spring 2027, boys ages 4–14 and girls ages 4–18 can play.
Our Rookie League is designed for first-time players ages 4–6.
Divisions are set by your child’s age on August 1, 2026.
When does the season start, and how long does it run?
Spring 2027 opening week: Swissvale on Thursday, April 1; Mellon Park on Friday, April 2; Penn Hills on Saturday, April 3; and Boyce Park on Sunday, April 4. First games are April 17 (Penn Hills), April 18 (Boyce Park), April 22 (Swissvale) and April 23 (Mellon Park). Playoffs are on a Saturday at Linton Middle School.
When are games and practices held, and what time do they start?
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Games are on Saturdays at Penn Hills, Sundays at Boyce Park (games start at 3 PM), Thursdays at Swissvale and Fridays at Mellon Park.
On Saturdays at Penn Hills, we generally begin the day with our youngest division, the Rookie League (ages 4–6), starting at -
9:00 AM. Games then continue throughout the day, moving from the youngest to the oldest age groups. Most games are scheduled on the hour (e.g., 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, etc.).
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Practices are scheduled by each team’s coach.
We encourage teams to hold one two-hour practice during the week, typically Monday through Friday, based on the coach’s availability.
What are your age divisions?
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Rookie League (ages 4–6): introductory coed program focused on fundamentals and fun. Saturdays at Penn Hills.
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Coed divisions (boys and girls compete together), at all four locations. Ages are as of August 1, 2026.
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8U: ages 7–8
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10U: ages 9–10
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12U: ages 11–12
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14U: ages 13–14
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All-Girls divisions (girls only), Saturdays at Penn Hills: 10U, 14U and High School Girls, ages 7 to 18.
Where are the games held?
PNL plays at four locations. Penn Hills: Linton Middle School, 250 Aster Street, Pittsburgh PA 15235 (our home field, Saturdays). Boyce Park: Boyce Park in Plum (Sundays). Swissvale: Dickson Elementary (Thursdays). Pittsburgh: Mellon Park on Fifth Avenue (Fridays). Each location has its own page with directions and parking.
Can I join as an individual, or do I need a full team?
Players can join as individuals, small groups, or full teams. We will place individual players and smaller groups on teams to ensure everyone gets to play.
Can I request to have my child play with a friend or sibling?
Yes! Buddy and sibling requests must be submitted during registration. These requests must be submitted during registration and before the draft. We can not honor these request once teams have been established.
Are there flag football tournaments or travel teams?
Yes! Players in our league have the opportunity to compete in special tournaments and join travel teams, offering an exciting chance to play at a higher level and represent our league against top teams from other areas. These experiences not only enhance skills but also create lifelong memories for players and their families.
Eligibility requirements, tryout information, and schedules will be shared during the season. If you’re interested in learning more or getting involved, email us at info@pittsburghnflleague.com, and we’ll provide all the details you need!
Why is NFL Flag better than the other brands of youth flag football?
NFL Flag is the official youth flag football program of the NFL, with unparalleled quality, national recognition, and direct ties to the NFL offering authentic NFL-branded gear, a safe non-contact format, and the opportunity to develop skills in a fun, professional environment.
What is the cost of participation?
Spring 2027 registration is $145 per player. The first 50 registrations league-wide are $135. Payment plans start at $45 down. Registration closes March 31, 2027.
What if I can’t afford the registration fees?
Families who qualify can apply for the NFL FLAG Grant: household income under $83,730 plus Medicaid, SNAP or WIC. Apply by March 10, 2027. Visit our NFL FLAG Grant page to learn more and apply.
What is included in the registration?
Your registration includes everything needed to participate in the Pittsburgh National League season, including:
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Official NFL FLAG jersey
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Flag belt
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League games
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PNL GameDay, the league’s own app, free for registered families
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Full schedule and standings
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Player stats tracking
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Playoff eligibility
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Media recognition
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Awards and recognition opportunities
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Championship opportunity for qualifying teams
What safety protocols are in place during games?
Safety is our top priority. We have strict rules regarding contact, and all players are required to wear appropriate safety mouthguard during games.
What is your weather policy?
Player safety is our top priority. In the event of inclement weather, we monitor field conditions closely and make decisions based on safety and playability.
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Rain: Games and practices may still be held in light rain, as long as the fields remain safe.
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Thunder or Lightning: All activities will be immediately delayed or canceled if thunder or lightning is present. We follow the 30-minute rule: activities will not resume until 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder or visible lightning.
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Cancellations or Delays: Any updates will be communicated via email, social media, and/or text alerts at least 1–2 hours before the event when possible.
We do our best to reschedule canceled games when field space and time allow.
What is your refund policy?
We offer a full refund for any registration up until the point we place our jersey order. Once jerseys have been ordered, no refunds will be issued, as league costs are already incurred at that stage.
If you need to request a refund, please contact us as soon as possible before jersey orders are finalized. We’ll communicate jersey order deadlines during the registration period so families are aware.