NFL FLAG
League Operator Spotlight:
Top 5 Tips from Michael Dober, Loudoun NFL FLAG
November 19, 2024
League Operator Spotlight:
Top 5 Tips from Michael Dober, Loudoun NFL FLAG
We sat down with Michael Dober, League Operator of Loudoun NFL FLAG, to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a thriving flag football league. With more than a decade of experience, he’s found strategies that help his league stand out. Here, Michael shares his top five takeaways for success—from balancing teams to growing the game for everyone.
1. Implement a Draft Process
Each season, Michael leads a pre-season combine to assess players’ skill levels, followed by a draft that builds balanced teams. “Putting all that together is 70% of the work I do in a season,” he says. “But it’s worth it.”
For Michael, balanced teams make games more exciting and ensure players of all abilities feel engaged. By prioritizing this step, he creates a league that’s competitive—and ultimately more fun for everyone.
2. Build a Pathway for Girls in Flag Football
Michael has made it a key point to create spaces for girls in his league. When he started in 2014, he had just four girls involved, and today that number has grown to 116. In 2021, he introduced Females in Flag divisions, starting with four middle school girls’ teams. This fall, that growth continued, with 18 teams across 8u, 10u, 12u, and 14u/17u age groups, totaling close to 160 players. Michael’s league also hosts free clinics for girls over the summer, often drawing more than 100 participants.
“If a girl wanted to play, I made sure she was on my team because I knew I would involve her,” he shares, noting how his two daughters inspired him to expand the program. To Michael, building girls’ teams is essential to making the game accessible. “Flag football is for everyone, regardless of gender,” he says.
3. Use Available RCX Sports Resources —They’re Game-Changers
Running a league doesn’t have to be overwhelming, especially with tools like Sports Connect and NFL FLAG Fan Shop. Michael relies on Sports Connect for smooth registration and website management, and he encourages families to buy gear from the Fan Shop, where a portion of proceeds go directly to the league.
His advice to other operators: “Why reinvent the wheel? Use what’s available to make things run smoothly.”
4. Focus on the Long Game
In youth sports, success isn’t always about high registration numbers—it’s about building a loyal community. Michael has seen his share of slow seasons, but he encourages new operators to look at retention over time.
“Don’t judge success by low numbers,” he advises. “Look at how many athletes are coming back each season.” Building trust with families takes time, but Michael believes it’s what makes a league sustainable.
5. Create Opportunities for Every Player
Michael’s approach to youth sports emphasizes equal opportunities on the field. “Sure, you’re drafting these kids based on athletic ability—not passion,” he explains. "But the kid you pick in the eighth round may have just as much passion as the one in the first round."
By giving every player a shot, he creates an environment where kids feel valued and confident. For Michael, these moments are the heart of what makes a league memorable.