Fresno Boys & Girls Clubs Flag Football Team Wins Regional Title, Earns National Bid

10- and 11-year-old players from multiple Fresno-area clubs triumph at Levi's Stadium, set to compete in national championships.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:51pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a flag football game, with players' forms dissolving into splashes of paint.The Fresno Boys & Girls Clubs' flag football team's unexpected regional title win has energized the local community and showcased the positive impact of the organization's sports programs.Fresno Today

A group of 10- and 11-year-old flag football players from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County recently won the 49ers NFL FLAG Regional Tournament at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The team, which had only been practicing for two months, went undefeated in pool play and won the championship game in blowout fashion. The victory earned the team a trip to the national championships in Indiana later this year.

Why it matters

The success of the Fresno Boys & Girls Clubs flag football team highlights the positive impact that the organization's sports programs can have on local youth. By bringing together players from different clubs across the region, the team has fostered a sense of community and teamwork, while also helping some players dramatically improve their academic performance and behavior.

The details

Under the leadership of coach Ron Zisler, the Fresno County All-Star flag football team consisting of players from the East Fresno, West Fresno and Selma Clubs competed in the 49ers NFL FLAG Regional Tournament in March. Despite only practicing for two months, the team went undefeated in pool play and won the championship game in convincing fashion. One of the team's players, Dequoin, was named tournament MVP.

  • The 49ers NFL FLAG Regional Tournament took place on March 22, 2026.
  • The 2026 NFL FLAG Championships Presented by Toyota will be held in Westfield, Indiana from July 23-26, 2026.

The players

Ron Zisler

The director of operations for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County and the head coach of the Fresno County All-Star flag football team.

Dequoin

A player on the Fresno County All-Star flag football team who was named tournament MVP at the 49ers NFL FLAG Regional Tournament.

Noah

A player on the Fresno County All-Star flag football team who attends Vang Pao Elementary School in Fresno and wants to be a football player or scientist when he's older.

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What they’re saying

“This team is really committed. We bring kids together from multiple Clubs, practice twice a week, and they put in the effort. Seeing them achieve goals they didn't think were possible, whether it's catching a football for the first time or turning around their grades, is the best part of coaching.”

— Ron Zisler, Director of Operations, Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County

“I had an amazing experience, really felt special and proud, will remember this forever.”

— Noah

What’s next

Before competing in the national championships in Indiana, the Fresno County All-Star flag football team will participate in a tournament in Sacramento in April 2026.

The takeaway

The success of the Fresno Boys & Girls Clubs flag football team demonstrates the positive impact that sports programs can have on local youth, fostering teamwork, confidence, and personal growth. The team's accomplishments have also drawn increased interest in the organization's offerings, providing more opportunities for engagement and skill development.