CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — This past week, flag league owners from across the country met in Frisco, Texas, at the Dallas Cowboys’ training facility for their annual owners meeting, the “NFL Flag Summit.” Each year, the summit is held in a new city, with that city’s NFL team serving as host.
Out of 2,500 organizations spanning 49 states and Canada, Charles County’s own Southern Maryland Youth Flag Football League (SMYFFL) was voted the NFL Flag League of the Year. SMYFFL player Ryan Gist was also named one of the top five finalists for NFL Flag Player of the Year.
Reggie Barksdale is the owner and commissioner of the Southern Maryland Youth Flag Football League. With 1,600 kids registered annually, SMYFFL is the largest co-ed NFL-affiliated league in Maryland and one of the most recognized leagues in the United States.
Flag football is the fastest-growing sport in the country, and SMYFFL has been around for close to 25 years. The ages for their co-ed teams range from 4 to 14, while the all-female division includes players ages 7 to 17. They run two seasons: spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). Games are played at North Point High School and Laurel Springs Park.
For more information, visit smyffl.com.
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