Discover the spirit of Oak Forest Park District Flag Football and Cheerleading
Welcome to our program, where skill building meets unwavering confidence in a safe and supervised environment. Since 1971, we've been dedicated to fostering teamwork, discipline, and a love for the game. We're excited to share our story with you.
The Oak Forest Park District Flag Football & Cheerleading Program (OFPDFF) is comprised of youths aged 7 - 14, but not yet in High School. For over 50 years, our Flag Football and Cheerleading Program has been providing quality instruction in football and cheerleading. Our pre-season typically starts on August 1st with practices and drill work. Our season kicks off mid - late August with our "Family Fun Day" which includes our Family Fun Fest, Punt, Pass, & Kick Competition, and exhibition games. Our regular season games are then played on Sundays, at various parks throughout Oak Forest. Our season concludes in November at our annual banquet
Our legacy in football and cheerleading
Our program proudly began in 1971. We operate a full-contact, non-tackle football league, offering an exciting and safe environment for young athletes. Our football teams are organized into two divisions: Junior (grades 2nd-5th) and Senior (grades 6th-8th). Each flag football team typically consists of 13-15 players, depending on registration numbers, and is led by an experienced adult coaching crew. We emphasize a standard 11-player set with full-contact blocking and utilize high school-style offense and defense schemes. Every player will learn the fundamental aspects of football, including offense (blocking schemes, pass route running, and running plays), defense (defensive front and cover skills), and special teams (punting and kicking).
Our cheerleading squads are composed of approximately 6 - 10 cheerleaders and are led by an adult coaching staff. Squads meet a couple of times during the week for practices, and cheer at their teams scheduled game on Sundays. Cheerleaders will learn various cheers, stunts, jumps and basic tumbling throughout their season and showcase what they've learned at our annual "Cheer Exhibition Night." Cheerleaders wear a uniform consisting of a jersey, a skirt, and cheer bows.
Beyond the game: building character
Beyond skill development and boosting confidence, our program ensures every participant experiences the full benefits of being part of a team throughout the season. We offer a fun and engaging opportunity for continuous action while instilling vital lessons in teamwork, which are crucial for success both on and off the field. Our program is meticulously designed to educate young people about football and cheerleading, with a strong focus on participation, collaboration, and sportsmanship. We are committed to fairness, ensuring each football player has the chance to participate in at least 50% of the plays during games.
Why choose Oak Forest Park District Flag Football?
Choosing flag football over tackle offers significant benefits for youth, primarily through vastly reduced injury risks and increased accessibility for all skill levels and genders. It places a strong emphasis on skill development, agility, and passing. Additionally, it is a lower-cost and lower-commitment option for families, making it an ideal choice for many. We pride ourselves on having smaller team sizes, which translates to more play time and more personalized one-on-one instruction for your child, ensuring they get the attention they need to thrive.
"Oak Forest Park District Flag Football provided my child with an incredible experience, teaching them teamwork and discipline in a safe, fun environment. We couldn't be happier!"
Proud Parent