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<div data-rss-type="text"> <p> <span> Antioch, IL (May 4, 2026) – Registration is now open for the Village of Antioch’s new NFL FLAG Football League, the </span> </p> <p> <span> Parks and Recreation Department announced today. The program is endorsed and sanctioned by the National Football </span> </p> <p> <span> League. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> The league welcomes students in grades 3 through 8 of all skill levels. Practices begin the week of August 24 at Sprenger </span> </p> <p> <span> Park, with Saturday games scheduled from September 5 through October 31 (no games October 10). </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> “The Village of Antioch is excited to bring NFL FLAG football to our community and give local youth a fun, </span> </p> <p> <span> inclusive way to stay active, build skills, and be part of a team,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Katie </span> </p> <p> <span> Kotloski. “This league is a great opportunity for players of all experience levels to learn the game, grow their </span> </p> <p> <span> confidence, and enjoy a high-quality recreational program close to home.” </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Each player receives an official NFL reversible jersey. Players are required to provide their own black shorts, mouth </span> </p> <p> <span> guards and shoes (cleats are optional). </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> The registration deadline is July 19. The fee is $136. More information, league times, and registration details are available </span> </p> <p> <span> <span> at </span> </span> <a href="https://secure.rec1.com/IL/village-of-antioch/catalog/index/e8e7be33876f68e4d1c49c1e61486033?filter=c2VhcmNoPWZsYWc=" target="_blank"> https://secure.rec1.com/IL/village-of-antioch/catalog/index/e8e7be33876f68e4d1c49c1e61486033?filter=c2VhcmNoPWZsYWc= </a> <span> . </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <strong> Volunteer Coaches Needed </strong> </p> <p> <span> The Village is recruiting volunteer coaches to lead NFL FLAG Football teams. Selected volunteers will receive one </span> </p> <p> <span> complimentary league registration at the resident rate (non-residents pay an additional fee). The Village will provide </span> </p> <p> <span> coaches with the complete NFL FLAG Playbook, structured practice plans, skill-based drills, small-sided games, and </span> </p> <p> <span> access to instructional videos created by NFL FLAG coaching experts. </span> </p> <p> <span> Coaches must pass a criminal background check and sex offender registry check, attend a pre-season coaches meeting in </span> </p> <p> <span> mid-August, and complete Heads Up Concussion Training. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <strong> About NFL FLAG </strong> </p> <p> <span> NFL FLAG is a no-contact youth football league serving athletes ages 4 to 17 across the United States. With more than </span> </p> <p> <span> 830,000 participants nationwide, NFL FLAG provides a structured pathway for boys and girls of all abilities to develop </span> </p> <p> <span> sportsmanship, teamwork, and a lifelong passion for football. The program began in 1994 as part of the NFL's Play </span> </p> <p> <span> Football initiative and has grown to include school programs, park districts, and community organizations nationwide. </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> ### </span> </p> <p> <span> <br/> </span> </p> <p> <span> Contact: </span> </p> <p> <span> Jim Moran </span> </p> <p> <span> Assistant Village Administrator, Village of Antioch, Illinois </span> </p> <p> <span> C: 224-707-2786 </span> </p> <p> <span> [email protected] <br/> </span> </p> </div>