Upper Keys Legends Flag Football Programs
Overview
Upper Keys Legends offers structured, age‑appropriate youth flag football programs for athletes from VPK through 8th grade. Our nonprofit uses flag football to develop character, confidence, and commitment in our young athletes. Skill development and fun are byproducts of what we do but not why we exist. Join the team and help build Legends off and on the field throughout the Upper Keys.
All divisions follow a consistent format:
- Weekly games at Founders Park
- Age‑appropriate coaching
- Non‑contact, safe gameplay
- Balanced teams formed through evaluations
- Jerseys, flags, and equipment provided
Divisions
Pee Wee Division: VPK – Kindergarten
Ages: VPK (Children born on or before December 31, 2022) through Kindergarten Focus:
Focus:
- Confidence building
- Make friends and learn to be a teammate
- Basic movement skills
- Intro to flag football fundamentals
- Fun, fast‑paced games
This division is designed to introduce young athletes to the sport in a safe, encouraging environment.
Note: No pre-season evaluations required for Pee Wee Division.
Rookies Division: 1st – 2nd Grade
Focus:
- Character development and overcoming challenges
- Teamwork and communication
- Foundational football skills
- Route running
- Basic offensive and defensive concepts
Players begin learning structured plays while still keeping the game fun and developmental.
Playmakers Division: 3rd – 5th Grade
Focus:
- Leadership and sportsmanship
- Intermediate skill development
- Expanded playbook
- Defensive strategies
This division prepares athletes for more competitive middle school play while maintaining a positive, non‑contact environment.
Legends Division: Middle School (6th – 8th Grade)
Focus:
- Commitment to self-improvement and team
- Advanced flag football concepts
- Competitive gameplay
- Position‑specific development
- Game strategy and situational awareness
Middle school athletes experience a higher level of competition with an emphasis on preparation for future school or club sports.
Evaluations
To ensure balanced, fair teams, all athletes participate in evaluations.
Evaluation Dates:
- September 27
- October 3
Location: Key Largo Park
Players only need to attend one evaluation.
No pre-season evaluations required for Pee Wee Division (VPK-K).
Evaluations are not tryouts — every athlete is placed on a team.
Season Structure
Season Dates: October 31 – December 12 Location: Founders Park, Islamorada
Each division includes:
- Weekly games
- Skill‑based practices
- Playoffs
- Championship week
The full season spans approximately six weeks, plus evaluations and postseason play.
Coaching & Player Development
Upper Keys Legends is powered by trained volunteer coaches who receive guidance and support from league leadership.
Our coaching philosophy emphasizes:
- Character development
- Confidence building
- Commitment to self-improvement and serving others
- Positive instruction
- Skill progression
- Fair play
- Teamwork
We welcome parents and community members to volunteer as coaches, assistants, or game‑day helpers.
Safety & Equipment
Flag football is a non-contact sport that allows young athletes to learn football fundamentals in an age-appropriate environment.
Required equipment:
- Athletic clothing
- Cleats (no metal)
- Mouthguard
The league provides:
- Jerseys
- Flags
- All game equipment
Financial Assistance
As a nonprofit, Upper Keys Legends offers scholarships and/or discounts to ensure every child can participate, regardless of financial circumstances.
Ready to Play?
Registration is completed through Playmetrics. Scan the QR code on our homepage or click the registration link to get started.
