From Fall to Spring: NFL FLAG Regionals Continue the Road to Championships
That’s a wrap on the NFL FLAG Fall Regional Tournaments, and the takeaway is clear: the pathway to Championships is stronger than ever.
Across the country, Fall Regionals delivered more than competition. They created new entry points for teams, expanded opportunities across age divisions, and continued to fuel the growth of girls’ flag football. Some athletes were chasing a return trip to the NFL FLAG Championships Presented By Toyota. Others were stepping onto a regional stage for the first time. All of them were part of a postseason experience designed to feel bigger, better, and more meaningful.
Now, with Spring 2026 Regionals officially open, that momentum is already carrying forward.
Fall Regionals: Highlights from the Field
From October through early December, NFL FLAG Regionals brought together more than 800 registered teams nationwide, reflecting the growing demand for high-quality postseason competition.
That energy was on full display at the Tennessee Titans NFL FLAG Regional, the second stop of the Fall tour. Thirty-eight teams and more than 300 athletes from four states competed across a full weekend of play. Titans defensive end Jeffery Simmons spent time onsite meeting athletes, signing autographs, and taking in the action, while club representatives engaged families through interactive activations throughout the venue.
In the Midwest, the Chicago Bears NFL FLAG Regional marked a milestone moment of its own. Hosted for the first time at the newly expanded Clarence Hicks Sports Complex in Rockford, Illinois, the tournament featured 61 boys’ and girls’ teams from four states. Six teams from the Rockford Park District competed on their home turf, with the 10U and 14U Rockford Bears claiming regional titles. The event also generated an estimated $467,000 in local economic impact, underscoring how Regionals support host communities alongside athletes and families.
“We were thrilled to welcome NFL FLAG athletes and families to the Clarence Hicks Sports Complex for this historic first major tournament,” said Lamont Jones, General Manager of the Rockford Park District and an RCX Sports NFL FLAG Committee Member. “It represents exactly what we envisioned when we invested in significant improvements—creating a premier venue where young athletes from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed, included, and empowered to showcase their talents. Events like this build lasting memories and bring communities together through the sport of flag football.”
Similar stories unfolded across the country. Girls divisions continued to expand. Long-standing teams aged up together. First-time champions earned their place on the national stage. Taken together, Fall Regionals reinforced a simple truth: the pathway is working and more athletes are stepping into it each season.
Partners Powering the Experience
NFL FLAG Regionals are built to feel bigger than a typical tournament weekend, and partners play a major role in bringing that experience to life.
As Presenting Partner of the NFL FLAG Regional Tournaments, Toyota showed up at every stop. At some tournaments, athletes had the chance to draw a golden keychain from a mini Tundra display, with one lucky winner per tournament receiving a gift card to help cover registration fees for the following season
Downy Rinse delivered one of the most memorable activations of the fall, transforming an interactive space into a hands-on “locker room” experience that compared a well-worn jersey to one freshly washed with Downy Rinse. Photo ops, product demos, and samples made it a standout with parents and players alike.
Jersey Mike’s Subs, the NFL FLAG Regional Tournament Premier Partner, kept everyone full. Local franchise locations provided sandwich samples for participants and meals for staff and referees, while Franklin continued its tradition of recognizing standout performances by awarding Franklin MVP Kits—one for each of the 11 divisions.
The Bigger Picture
Fall Regionals reflected the continued rise of flag football nationwide—especially girls’ flag football—and the power of collaboration between NFL clubs, host communities, and youth sports organizations.
Winning teams from each Regional earned a free bid to compete at the 2026 NFL FLAG Championships Presented by Toyota, where they’ll face top qualifiers from across the country on the biggest stage in the sport.
Spring 2026 Regionals Are Now Open
With the momentum from fall still fresh, Spring 2026 Regionals are officially open.
Tournaments will run from March through June, offering teams multiple chances to compete, qualify, and test themselves against top competition in their region. Super Regionals will once again allow teams to compete across regional borders, creating even more opportunities to earn a spot at Championships.
Whether you’re returning with a veteran roster or stepping into regional competition for the first time, Spring Regionals offer the same foundation: high-level play, unforgettable experiences, and a clear path forward.
To learn more about upcoming Regional Tournaments or find a league near you, visit NFLFLAG.com.