Amarillo is about to get a taste of football in a whole new way. This summer, the Texas Panhandle will welcome an NFL Flag Football youth initiative, offering boys and girls a chance to learn the game, stay active, and have fun—all in a non-contact setting. For young athletes looking to experience the excitement of football without the full-contact intensity, this program is shaping up to be a perfect fit.
The initiative is designed to expand opportunities for youth involvement in sports while emphasizing inclusivity. NFL Flag Football is not just another league—it’s a nationally recognized program that engages over 500,000 youth across the United States. “When I had the opportunity to bring it up here because they’re playing all across the nation. Over 500,000 youth across the United States are playing right now. So I said, why not Amarillo? Why not, the kids up here have a chance to play like the kids across the United States and have a chance to, you know, maybe be national champions and go to the Pro Bowl and go to other countries and play,” explained Mark Jackson, Amarillo native, Tascosa High School alum, and the program’s owner and operator.
Jackson’s enthusiasm for the program stems not just from its national reach, but also from a desire to make football accessible to every young athlete. He emphasized the NFL’s focus on inclusivity: “Well, that’s one of the NFL’s initiative is to have everybody included. Girls, boys, it doesn’t matter. They want everybody who wants to play to play. That’s what we’re gonna, in Amarillo, we’re gonna give. If you’re a girl, it don’t matter. If you think you can play football or you want to tell your dad or mom, look, I want to play, get out there.”
The league will welcome youth aged 13 through 17, making it a perfect opportunity for middle and high school students to get involved during the summer months. Registration for the program will open in January, with games scheduled to kick off in late June and early July. Beyond the players, there are opportunities for local coaches to join and contribute, helping shape the next generation of athletes in the Panhandle.
While specific details about an official website and donation platform are still forthcoming, the initiative promises to bring a national-level program directly to Amarillo, providing an exciting new avenue for youth sports participation. Parents and guardians can look forward to a safe, organized, and inclusive environment where young athletes can improve their skills, learn teamwork, and develop a passion for the game.
NFL Flag Football’s arrival in Amarillo reflects a broader trend of youth sports evolving to emphasize accessibility, inclusivity, and fun. By combining a respected national brand with local initiative, the program is poised to make a meaningful impact on the community. For Amarillo’s youth, it’s more than just football—it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger, to play hard, and to embrace a sport that welcomes everyone.
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