Rookie League: Flag Football for 4, 5 and 6 Year Olds in Pittsburgh

Rashad Colvin

1 day ago

3 min read

Updated: 8 hours ago

If your child is 4, 5 or 6 and wants to play football, PNL's Rookie League is where they start. It is flag football built for the youngest players: short, simple, and focused on fun. Here is everything Pittsburgh parents need to know about Rookie League for Spring 2027.

What is Rookie League?

Rookie League is Pittsburgh National League's 6U program for players ages 4 to 6. Players learn the basics of football in a non-contact setting: how to take a handoff, how to catch, how to run with the ball, and how to pull a flag. There is no tackling, no blocking and no pads. The focus at this age is fundamentals, confidence and having a great time with teammates.

Where and when does Rookie League play?

Rookie League plays on Saturdays at Linton Middle School, 250 Aster Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15235, in Penn Hills. For Spring 2027:

Opening week: Saturday, April 3, 2027
PNL Live Draft: Thursday and Friday of the third week of April
First games: Saturday, April 17, 2027

The full Spring 2027 schedule, including playoffs and championship dates, is sent to registered families.

What does my child need?

Rookie League players need very little. PNL provides every player with a jersey and a flag belt. Families bring:

Sneakers or cleats. Either works at this age.
Comfortable athletic shorts or pants without pockets or belt loops that could catch a flag.
A water bottle.

A mouthpiece is not required in Rookie League. It becomes required at age 7 and up. For more detail, see our guide to flag football equipment for kids.

Is my child too young?

Four is the youngest age PNL accepts, and many of our players start right there with no experience at all. Coaches work with young children every season and keep the environment encouraging and positive. If your child can follow simple directions and loves to run, they are ready. See what age your child can start flag football for how divisions are set by age.

How much does Rookie League cost?

Spring 2027 registration is $145. The first 50 players registered across all four PNL locations pay $135. Families can pay in full or choose a payment plan at checkout: $45 at registration, then monthly or biweekly payments. Balances are due by March 31, 2027.

Families who need help with the cost can apply for the NFL FLAG Grant through RCX Sports. Apply by March 10, 2027: apply for the NFL FLAG Grant.

What comes after Rookie League?

At age 7, players move up to the coed divisions (8U, 10U, 12U and 14U), which play at all four PNL locations: Penn Hills, Boyce Park, Swissvale and Mellon Park in Pittsburgh. Girls can also join PNL's All-Girls League, which runs from 10U through High School Girls.

Rookie League FAQ

Does my child need to know how to play football?

No. Rookie League is designed for first-time players.

Do parents need to stay?

Plan to stay for the whole session. Young players do best when a parent is on the sideline.

Can siblings play at the same location?

Yes. Penn Hills is PNL's only location with every division, so a Rookie League player and an older sibling can both play on Saturdays at Linton Middle School.