St. Louis Youth Flag Football is gaining momentum as Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) launches a free flag football clinic and upcoming summer league at the historic Mathews-Dickey Club. Through a new partnership with the PUSH Flag Football League, led by former NFL player Pierre Desir, youth across the region will have access to structured, high-quality football programming.
The free St. Louis youth flag football camp will take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Mathews-Dickey Field, located at 4245 N. Kingshighway Blvd. The camp is open to girls and boys in grades 3-12 and will feature position-specific drills, one-on-one competitions, speed and agility stations, and prize giveaways.
Participants will also have the opportunity to register for the free St. Louis youth flag football league, which runs April 25 and May 2-23.
Why St. Louis Youth Flag Football Is Growing
Across the country, flag football is one of the fastest-growing youth sports — especially for girls. As an accessible and safer alternative to tackle football, flag football emphasizes speed, strategy, teamwork and leadership development without the physical contact risks associated with traditional formats.
The expansion of girls flag football in St. Louis reflects a national movement toward greater inclusion and opportunity in youth athletics. By offering co-ed programming and creating space for both girls and boys to compete, BGCSTL and PUSH are helping level the playing field while building confidence and life skills.
Sports remain a powerful gateway to youth development. Participation in structured programs like St. Louis youth flag football helps young people build discipline, communication skills and resilience — qualities that extend far beyond the field.
A Strategic Partnership for St. Louis Youth Sports
The partnership between Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis and the PUSH Flag Football League brings professional experience and community impact together.
Pierre Desir, commissioner of the PUSH League and former NFL player, is committed to creating pathways for youth through sports and mentorship. In collaboration with BGCSTL President and CEO Brandon Williams — also a former NFL player — the initiative reflects a shared vision for strengthening youth sports programming in St. Louis.
“We’re excited to partner with my former NFL colleague, Pierre Desir, to provide expanded flag football opportunities at Mathews-Dickey,” said Williams. “This is about more than sports. It’s about leadership, exposure and creating positive outlets for our young people.”
The PUSH League has focused on building community-based programs that emphasize character development and skill-building. Through this new initiative, St. Louis youth flag football will serve as both a competitive platform and a mentorship opportunity.
What Youth Can Expect at the Free Flag Football Clinic
The free clinic is designed to provide a dynamic and engaging experience for youth athletes at all skill levels.
Clinic features include:
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Position-specific football drills
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One-on-one skill competitions
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Speed and agility stations
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Giveaways and prizes
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On-site registration for the summer league
Whether a young athlete is new to the sport or already competing at a high level, the free flag football clinic in St. Louis offers a welcoming and high-energy environment.
Parents seeking affordable and high-quality youth sports options will find this program especially valuable. With no cost to participate, families can access structured athletic development without financial barriers.
Summer League Details: St. Louis Youth Flag Football League
Following the clinic, participants can register for the free St. Louis youth flag football league, which operates under the NFL Flag Football model. The league runs April 25 and May 2-23 and is open to girls and boys in grades 3-12.
The NFL Flag format promotes skill development, teamwork and safe play. The league structure provides youth with consistent practice time, scheduled games and coaching support.
Registration for the free camp is available here:
https://pushath.launchtrack.events/register/push-athletics-boys-and-girls-club-free-flag-football-skills-camp
League registration is available here:
https://leagues.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2122274
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis sports programs and summer opportunities, visit bgcstl.org.
