YMCA youth flag football registration now open

The YMCA of the Northwoods, Hodag Gridiron Club and Rhinelander Lion’s Club are partnering to offer Flag Football this fall.

“These three organizations are excited to invest in the future of Hodag Football. Registration is now open for our youth fall league,” according to a YMCA press release. 

“We are super excited to be able to continue to build our flag football program here in Rhinelander,” stated YMCA of the Northwoods Program and Development Director Matt Steingraber, who also serves as an assistant coach for the Hodag football program. “It is awesome to see that many of the kids that were playing 7 years ago when we started the program, are now playing on Friday nights and now coaching the next generation on Saturday mornings!” 

Flag football is a great way to start learning the game of football with a lower risk of injury at a young age, the Y stated.

The Rhinelander High School football team will host a free mini camp for all local youth on Monday, Aug. 12. League practice will start the week of Aug. 19. Players in grades 1-2 will practice Monday, grades 3-4 on Tuesday and grades 5-6 on Thursday.

All league games will be played on Saturday mornings this fall starting Sept. 7, running through Oct. 12. Teams will also practice on Monday evenings. 

Sign up by Aug. 1 to guarantee your jersey size. The cost of the league is $45 for Y members or $65 for general public. “Financial assistance is available for those that need it as we will never turn anyone away for financial reasons,” the release states.

Rhinelander High School football coaches and players will be at every game to help coach in 2024, but parent/volunteer coaches will be needed for each team, especially for weeknight practices. To register or to express coaching interest please call the YMCA of the Northwoods at 715-362-9622 or visit www.ymcaofthenorthwoods.org.