Flag-Football

We rely on volunteer head coaches, and assistant coaches, to be able to offer this program.  If you wish to help coach, please contact Coach Ed directly. All coaches are required to pass a background check and be certified by USA Football. We will provide sample practice plans and offensive and defensive schemes.

We want to maximize the number of youth playing football and we understand the power of friend networks to increase overall participation. Families can form their own team by school or by friends.

The league is 7-on-7, so team should have no less than 9, and no more than 12.

Note: families who do not have a full team or are solo should contact Coach Ed to help with team placement.

Deerfield and Highland Park teams participate in the Northern Illinois Youth Flag Football League which includes our neighboring communities: Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, Northfield, Kenilworth, Glenview, Evanston, Mt. Prospect, Wheeling, Lake Forest, Wildwood, Vernon Hills, Taft, Libertyville, Arlington Heights, Grayslake, Warren and Rolling Meadows. You will play games against other Northbrook teams and against some neighboring communities.

Join us to experience the excitement of flag football while building skills, friendships, and community spirit!

Although our season is short (2-3 months), Flag Football does not have a huge commitment however for the team to have success they will need to prepare for each game. All players are encouraged to attend their one 45-50 minute team practice and one 45-minute skills session is encouraged each week.

Practices will depend on the head coach’s availability, M-Th @ Trinity or Highwood Fields.

Games are to be played on Sundays-only (except for playoffs), between 10:00-6:00PM.  Home games will be played @ Trinity Fields in Bannockburn.  Away games can be played at any of the neighboring schools fields, typically no further than 20-25 minutes. away.

At this level, we expect players to be given ample opportunity to try different positions and develop well-rounded skills. We do keep score and try to win games, but we try not to do that at the expense of player participation and fun. Teams will play more competitive line-ups in the playoffs, but should not be at the expense of playing time overall. Parents who do not feel we are living these principles on a team should contact our Executive Director immediately.

We do provide coaches with playbooks and template practice plans so they have a starting point.  We also instruct the coaches on how to coach proper game-play concepts, so players can progress through the program.

A reversible jersey and flags are provided.  A jersey and mouthguard must be worn at each game.  The following are not required, but encouraged: shell helmet, receiving gloves and rubber cleats.

The cost is $395 per player, which includes a reversible jersey and set of flags.  Once your Parent-GM submits the roster, Finish Strong will provide a payment link.  Payments must be made by the first practice.  There are no refund for this program.