Amarillo Launches NFL Flag Football League for Teens

New league aims to provide a competitive football option for high school-aged players who want to avoid tackle football.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Amarillo, Texas is launching a new NFL Flag Football League for teenagers aged 13 to 17 who want to play competitive football without the risk of tackle football. The league, called the Action Sports NFL Flag Football League, was created by local resident Mark Jackson to fill a gap in the community for high school-aged flag football options.

Why it matters

Flag football has grown in popularity in recent years, with the NFL Pro Bowl adopting the format and it becoming an Olympic sport starting in 2028. This new league in Amarillo provides a competitive outlet for teens who love football but want to avoid the risks of tackle football, helping grow the sport in the football-centric Texas community.

The details

The Action Sports NFL Flag Football League will begin play on June 6th, with registration already open. It is aimed at teenagers aged 13 to 17 who are interested in playing competitive football but do not want to participate in tackle football. Previously, options for high school-aged flag football were limited in Amarillo, with only the option to play for one's high school team or join an adult league after turning 18.

  • The Action Sports NFL Flag Football League will begin play on June 6th.
  • Registration for the new league is already open.

The players

Mark Jackson

An Amarillo native who recognized the need for a high school-aged flag football league in the community and created the Action Sports NFL Flag Football League.

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What’s next

The new league is expected to provide a competitive outlet for many Amarillo teens who are passionate about football but want to avoid the risks of tackle football.

The takeaway

This new flag football league in Amarillo fills an important gap in the community, giving high school students who love football but don't want to play tackle an opportunity to compete in a fast-growing and increasingly popular sport.