Boise Flag Football - Optimist Flex Flag Program

Registration for the 2026 Fall season begins April 1, 2026
Practices begin Monday, August 3rd, and the season opens on Monday, August 17th.
Games are played Monday and Wednesday evenings through September 14th.
(no games Saturday, September 5th for Labor Day holiday).

New in 2026 Optimist Football

🔥 Optimist Youth Football exclusive opportunity to be entered to win one of ten Scheels giveaways for an amazing event this summer!(details to be announced April 13th)
💥 Newly styled sublimated jerseys players take with them at end of season to proudly wear and share
💥 Optional nameplate on your jersey to make it truly yours


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The Cores of Our Long Running Programs

🏈 Optimist offers 4 age groups of Flex Flag for balanced development and competition: Miti Mites for 6-7yr, Pee Wee for 8-9yr, Bantam for 10-11yr, and Pony for 12-13yr
🏈 Athlete’s age as of May 1st (Spring Season) and September 1st (Fall Season) determines league placement
🏈 There are no weight limits for players within their individual age group
🏈 Athletes are provided provides soft helmets, soft pads, game jerseys, flags, and coaches’ provided training equipment supplies
🏈 Players are only responsible for cleats, shorts and mouth guard, and Optimist partners like Scheels are proud to assist in fitting
🏈 Games are played on Monday and Wednesday evenings at the Boise Youth Sports Complex in Boise at either 6PM or 7PM
🏈 Optimist Youth Football’s partner, Saint Alphonsus, provides Certified Athletic trainers on-site on game days to support athletes’ safety and health

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Flex Flag Football bridges the gap between flag and tackle .  The addition of soft-shell equipment enables Flex Flag to build on the benefits of flag football by introducing key concepts that have historically been reserved for the tackle game. These include directional blocking for the offensive line and rushing and pursuit angles for the defense.

Flex Flag is the ultimate experience to develop true football fundamentals and teach proper technique while keeping the head out of the game.

Flex Flag is flag football taken to the next level, it allows for players to work on schemes, technique, and timing, preparing them in ways that traditional flag football does not.

The athlete wears a soft helmet, soft pads and jersey. Through the experience, competition, progression, or just plain fun, athletes get what they want from the game with Flex Flag.

Like NFL off-season practices, Flex Flag focuses on fundamentals, football IQ, and physical development, but in the form of gameplay. High-tempo and low impact, it’s a great tool for accessibility and development in the game of football.

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What Makes the Flex Flag Program Better

Feature Traditional Flag Flex Flag
Equipment No pads or helmets Soft-shell helmet, soft pads, jersey
Safety Minimal contact, but no protection Low-impact play with added protection to build confidence
Skill Development Focus on basic passing, catching, and running Adds blocking, pursuit angles, schemes, and timing —true football fundamentals
Preparation for Tackle Limited transition to tackle concepts Bridges the gap to tackle with realistic gameplay and technique
Game Experience Simplified, recreational High-tempo, competitive, NFL-style practice environment
Football IQ Basic rules and positions Advanced schemes, situational awareness, and football intelligence
Player Progression Fun introduction to the sport Next step toward tackle football while keeping the headout of the game

The Basics: Flex Flag Football

Ages: 6-13, Boys and Girls

Season: Fall Flex Flag

Games: FLEX football games are played during the week, on Mondays and Wednesdays.  Practices start in August and games are played in August to September.

Practices: Practice locations vary by team and are generally at a neighborhood park or school.  Teams may practice up to 3 times per week prior to the start of games, then once per week thereafter.

Teams: Boise and surrounding towns

Cost: $160.00/season; jersey and flags provided

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