Registration for the new NFL Flag Football League runs through Monday, Aug. 31, for players in grades 1 to 6 and includes an NFL jersey. (Photo Fox Valley Park District)

While students grouse about having to go back to school – and tell us how hard they have it – they overlook one very exciting highlight that makes this time of year special.

Football is in the air.

Bears, NFL, college football, high schools… you name it. After weeks of training camps and practices, teams are ready to strap it on and hit the gridiron.

The Fox Valley Park District is bringing the same exuberance for football to Aurora. In conjunction with School Districts 131 (East Aurora) and 129 (West Aurora), the FVPD is running the NFL Flag Football League this fall for children in grades 1 through 6.

After last year’s successful debut, the touchdown drive continues. Recognizing the value in getting players involved with football at a young age, the goal of organizers is to build a football foundation from the ground up. It involves teaching young players the basics, familiarizing them with the sport and growing their love for the game of football.

“We’re working hand-in-hand with our school districts to build a solid football program that will benefit our youth and strengthen the schools’ programs as well,” said Anna Kish, community athletic liaison for the Fox Valley Park District.

The league begins Sept. 5, with games played every Saturday through Oct. 17 at McCullough Park (next to Prisco Community Center), and once-a-week practices in between.

All players who register receive an authentic, trademark NFL game jersey.

The timing coincides perfectly with the start of prep football season, with high school action across the state getting under way last weekend (Aug. 28-29).

The key is to get young players involved – now.

It’s a model that has worked in many other communities, and coaches Kurt Becker (East Aurora) and Nate Eimer (West Aurora) are pumped by the program’s potential.

“By introducing kids to the game at an early age, the idea is to make football part of the family and part of our community culture,” said Becker.”

On that note, the league welcomes volunteer parent coaches –a great way for adults to exemplify community leadership for tomorrow’s generation.

“This league is a great way to get kids involved in the sport of football because it provides a fun introduction to the game, while also being educational,” said Eimer. “Teaching fundamentals at a young age goes a long way toward developing players and advancing their skills.

“The flag football league also gives kids who aren’t ready for contact an opportunity to play football. By teaching them early, once they get to a higher level, they’ll already know the basics of the game – like a three-point stance, taking a snap from center, running proper routes, etc.”

Becker has grand visions. By building the sport of football from within Aurora, and promoting it throughout each District’s schools, the former Chicago Bear foresees a Super scenario.

“My concept for the flag football league is to grow it to include 10-12 schools from both sides of town,” said Becker. “Then we play a tournament and, ultimately, a city flag football championship that would be played right before the annual East-West game.

“This will take time to develop. But if you instill that sense of rivalry and indoctrinate players at an early age, I think we’re well on our way to making this feeder program a great success.”

Jeff Long (jlong@fvpd.net) is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. For more information on the Flag Football League, contact Anna Kish at akish@fvpd.net

— It’s game time for NFL Youth Flag Football League —