Spring 2027 Youth Flag Football in Pittsburgh: Programs, Locations, Dates and Registration
Updated: 7 hours ago
Spring 2027 youth flag football registration is open now at four Pittsburgh-area locations. Pittsburgh National League (PNL) is an NFL FLAG youth flag football league serving Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania families since 2004, and the NFL FLAG League of the Year. PNL is the only league in Pennsylvania named NFL FLAG League of the Year. This guide covers everything a parent needs to know: programs by age, locations, dates, cost, what to bring, and how to register.
Spring 2027 at a glance
Registration: open now through March 31, 2027
Early bird: $135 for the first 50 players registered across all four locations, then $145
Payment plans: $45 at registration, then monthly or biweekly payments
Opening week: April 1 to April 4, 2027
PNL Live Draft: Thursday and Friday of the third week of April
First games: Saturday, April 17 (Penn Hills), Sunday, April 18 (Boyce Park), Thursday, April 22 (Swissvale), Friday, April 23 (Mellon Park in Pittsburgh)
Spring 2027 programs by age
Rookie League (ages 4 to 6)
The Rookie League (6U) is the first step for preschool and kindergarten-age players. The focus is fundamentals and fun. Rookie League plays on Saturdays at Linton Middle School in Penn Hills. No mouthpiece is required at this age. Register for the Spring 2027 Rookie League.
Coed divisions (ages 7 to 14)
Coed 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U divisions play at all four PNL locations. Players are drafted onto balanced teams at the PNL Live Draft. Divisions are based on age as of August 1, 2026. Choose the location closest to you in the locations section below.
All-Girls League (10U, 14U and HS Girls)
PNL's All-Girls League offers 10U, 14U and a High School Girls division (grades 9 to 12), all on Saturdays in Penn Hills. Register for Spring 2027 girls flag football or read more about girls flag football in Pittsburgh.
Spring 2027 locations
Penn Hills: Linton Middle School (Saturdays)
250 Aster Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15235. PNL's home field and the only location with every division: Rookie 6U, coed 8U to 14U and the All-Girls League. First games Saturday, April 17. Penn Hills flag football details.
Boyce Park: Monroeville and Plum (Sundays)
Boyce Park fields, Pierson Run Road, Plum, PA 15239. Coed 8U to 14U on Sundays for Monroeville, Plum and Murrysville families. First games Sunday, April 18. Boyce Park flag football details.
Swissvale: Dickson Elementary (Thursdays)
7301 Schoyer Avenue, Swissvale, PA 15218. New for Spring 2027. Coed 8U to 14U on Thursday evenings, close to Edgewood and Regent Square. First games Thursday, April 22. Swissvale flag football details.
Pittsburgh: Mellon Park (Friday nights)
1047 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, at Fifth and Shady. New for Spring 2027. Coed 8U to 14U on Friday nights for Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, East Liberty and East End families. First games Friday, April 23. Mellon Park flag football details.
Spring 2027 season timeline
Now to March 31, 2027: registration is open. The first 50 players across all locations get $135 early bird pricing.
By March 10, 2027: apply for the NFL FLAG Grant if your family qualifies (see below).
March 31, 2027: balances are due in full so your player receives a jersey and is eligible to play.
April 1 to 4, 2027: opening week at each location.
Thursday and Friday of the third week of April: PNL Live Draft.
April 17 to 23, 2027: first games at every location.
Playoff and championship dates are sent to registered families.
What new families should expect
Every player is drafted onto a team at the PNL Live Draft, so teams are balanced and new players are welcome no matter their experience. PNL provides every player with a jersey and a flag belt. Games follow NFL FLAG rules, which means no tackling, no blocking and no helmets or pads. Schedules, field details and updates come through the TeamLinkt app, and live scores and stats are posted in PNL GameDay.
What returning families should expect
Spring 2027 adds two new locations, Swissvale and Mellon Park in Pittsburgh, so many families can now play closer to home. The early bird is shared across all four locations and ends automatically when the 50th player registers, so returning families should register early.
Equipment: what to bring
Cleats: molded rubber cleats are recommended for coed and girls divisions. Soccer cleats work fine. Avoid metal spikes. Rookie League players can wear sneakers or cleats.
Mouthpiece: required for all players ages 7 and up. Not required in Rookie League.
Athletic shorts or pants without belt loops or pockets that could catch a flag.
A water bottle.
More detail in our guide: what equipment does my child need for flag football.
How much does Spring 2027 cost?
Registration is $145. The first 50 players registered across all four locations pay $135. Families can pay in full or choose a payment plan at checkout: $45 at registration, then monthly or biweekly payments. All balances are due by March 31, 2027.
Financial assistance: apply for the NFL FLAG Grant
No child should sit out because of cost. The RCX Sports Foundation NFL FLAG Fund helps eligible families pay for NFL FLAG registration. Families with a household income under $83,730 whose player is enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP or WIC can apply. A parent or guardian applies directly with RCX Sports, and approved funds are sent to PNL. Apply at least three weeks before registration closes, by March 10, 2027. Apply for the NFL FLAG Grant. You can also see our financial assistance page.
Why flag football?
Flag football keeps the skills, teamwork and strategy of football without tackling. Every player can touch the ball, quarterbacks learn to read the field, and kids stay active in a structured, family-friendly environment. NFL FLAG is the official youth flag football program of the NFL.
Spring 2027 FAQ
What age can my child start flag football?
Children can start at age 4 in PNL's Rookie League. Coed divisions run from 8U to 14U, and girls can play through high school.
Is PNL good for beginners?
Yes. Teams are built through the draft so talent is spread evenly, and coaches teach fundamentals. Many PNL players start with no football experience.
Where do Spring 2027 games take place?
At Linton Middle School in Penn Hills (Saturdays), Boyce Park in Plum (Sundays), Dickson Elementary in Swissvale (Thursdays) and Mellon Park in Pittsburgh (Friday nights).
Where do the 6U Rookie League and girls divisions play?
Both play on Saturdays in Penn Hills at Linton Middle School.
Can my child play with friends?
Teams are formed at the PNL Live Draft to keep them balanced. Add a note at registration and PNL does its best.
Do kids need helmets or pads?
No. Flag football is non-contact. A mouthpiece is required for ages 7 and up.
Register for Spring 2027
Questions? Email info@pittsburghnflleague.com.
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