NFL Flag Football league in Dallas County opens for second season, eyes regional tournament

Dallas County’s youth sports scene is gaining momentum as the local NFL Flag Football league prepares for its second season.  

Registration for the NFL-sanctioned flag football team is open for the 2026 season that runs from April through June and organizers hope their growth will lead to hosting a regional tournament. 

“If we can grow this program here in Dallas County, we can think about putting our kids on the same platform and giving them the same opportunity to go country to country, state to state, said Coach Erice Williams, who completed two years of NFL-required operational training and added the sport’s rapid growth and Olympic inclusion have elevated its visibility. 

The program is designed to give young athletes ages 5 to 15 a pathway to national, and eventually international, competition. 

Last season, the Dallas County league fielded five teams with 71 players. Coaches evaluated each child’s skill level during a preseason combine, placing advanced players where they could be challenged while allowing others to develop at their natural age level. Williams said the goal is to build a league strong enough to host regional tournaments in Selma, drawing teams from across the Southeast. 

“If we can get a major turnout this year, next year we’ll be trying to put ourselves in for a bid to get a regional tournament down here,” he said. “Our kids get the exposure, play them — and because they’re in Dallas County, you know we’re going to win.” 

Combine Day is April 16, and the first game is in early May. The season lasts six weeks plus playoffs.  

Registration opened on Black Friday and remains active at www.rollingyouth.org. The $125 fee covers insurance, an authentic NFL Flag jersey and flags. Families only need to provide pants and cleats. 

Williams said flag football offers a safer entry point into the sport, reducing injuries while teaching fundamentals that translate to both flag and tackle football. “It gives you the skill development of knowing your personal skills,” he said. “Then it gives you the education of where football is altogether.” 

He also highlighted the league’s economic and social benefits, noting that tournaments and games bring families together and generate local tourism. 

To keep the program accessible, Williams is seeking sponsors who can help reduce costs for families or even cover the fee for individual players. “If you reach one kid, you have made a difference in that one child’s life,” he said. Sponsorship information is available on the website, or residents can contact Williams directly at 334-808-0978. 

With momentum building and community support growing, Williams believes Dallas County is on the verge of becoming a regional hub for youth flag football, and he’s ready to lead the charge.