Flag football continues to surge in popularity nationwide, and Amarillo is quickly becoming part of that momentum. This year, two separate leagues are offering young athletes in the Panhandle new opportunities to get involved in the fast-growing sport.
As previously reported, the Action Sports NFL FLAG Football League is preparing for its inaugural season, targeting players ages 13 to 17. The league is led by Amarillo native and former professional football player Mark Jackson, who now hopes to invest in the next generation through the game.
Jackson emphasized that flag football provides opportunities for young athletes who may not feel drawn to more traditional sports options. “A lot of kids don’t really know what they want to do, and it’s sports that are only softball for girls, volleyball for girls, track for girls, and soccer,” explained Jackson. “But some kids might want to play a different sport, so flag football gives those types of kids a chance to show their abilities.”
Beyond the competition, Jackson highlighted the social benefits that come with team sports. “The camaraderie with the girls or boys, you know, if you’re on the team, you can’t beat that. You can’t beat friendships. If you’re on our team, you know, you’ve got your friends on the team, there’s nothing like that,” he said.
Meanwhile, the West Texas NFL FLAG league—already established in the region—is undergoing changes aimed at expanding its reach. The league is partnering with Kids Incorporated, a move officials say will help bring flag football to more communities across the Panhandle.
Commissioner Dalton Bell, who also serves as an administrator at Kids Inc., said the partnership has been years in the making. “Jimmy and I have been talking about this merger for about two or three years, and I just didn’t know when the right time would be. The timing has worked out perfectly,” Bell explained. He added that the collaboration will allow the league to grow into additional cities, including Dalhart, Elk City, and Hereford.
Bell said one of his primary goals is to give as many children as possible the chance to experience the sport. “I want them to have that feeling of putting an NFL jersey on, going out there, imitating their hero that maybe they’ve watched on Sundays, and get to play fly football and then get that jersey,” he said.
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