Youth Football (Flag and Tackle)

In San Luis Obispo, kids have several options for learning and playing football: non-contact flag football and traditional tackle football. Let’s find out which San Luis Obispo Youth Football League is best for your family!

What’s the Difference Between Flag Football and Regular Tackle Football?

Flag football is a non-contact sport in contrast to regular football. Instead of tackling, kids remove one or both flags from their opponent’s belt to end the play. Flag football also has no height, weight, or gender restrictions. Research shows that flag football is safer than traditional football, especially for children under age 14.

Youth Flag Football Leagues in San Luis Obispo

Flag football is a fun and relatively safe way to learn and enjoy the sport of football. This rapidly growing sport is popular in the central coast of California — and all around the world.

Friday Night Lights Youth Flag Football

The Central Coast Fright Night Lights (FNL) Flag Football League is very popular in San Luis Obispo. During each FNL season, teams play seven to eight games plus playoffs. Most games are on Fridays, anytime between 5 pm and 10 pm.

• When: Spring and Fall seasons
• Where: Games at Damon-Garcia Sports Complex, 680 Industrial Way, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
• Learn more: Central Coast Friday Night Lights Flag Football website

NFL Central Coast Flag Football

Central Coast Flag is the official NFL flag football league in the San Luis Obispo area. Each team will play six regular-season games, and the top teams will make the playoffs. Games are held on Sundays.

• When: Spring season
• Where: Games at Laguna Middle School, 11050 Los Osos Valley Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
• Learn more: Central Coast Friday Night Lights Flag Football website

Central Coast Youth Tackle Football Leagues

If your child is interested in traditional tackle football, it’s important to know that football players are at risk for serious injuries. However, coaches are learning to protect players and prevent life-threatening injuries. Concussion rates have decreased in the past decade.

Coaches undergo mandatory training and USA Football Heads Up Certification to keep children healthy and safe from concussions. Players are trained to generate force while keeping their heads away from contact.

Pacific Coast Youth Football League

This branch serves children and teens in San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Los Osos, Cayucos, and Cambria.

• When:
  • Practice and games start at the end of summer through the start of winter
  • Register during the spring/summer
• Ages: 7 to 14 years (must meet weight requirements)
• Where:
  • Practice: Laguna Middle School Field, San Luis Obispo
  • Games: San Luis Obispo High School, Morro Bay High School, and Mission Prep Catholic School
• Learn more: Pacitic Coast Youth Football website

Five Cities Youth Football

• When:
  • Practice and games start at the end of summer through the start of winter
  • Register during the spring/summer
• Ages: 7 to 14 years (must meet weight requirements)
• Where:
  • Practice: Soto Sports Complex, Arroyo Grande
  • Games: Range from Paso Robles to Lompoc. 
• Learn more: Five Cities Youth Football website

Information about teams in neighboring cities can be found on the Central Coast Youth Football website.

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