PALS and Parks Partnership Brings Flag Football Back to Warren County

A new partnership between the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and Warren County Parks and Recreation is bringing flag football back to the community, while creating new opportunities for youth engagement this spring and beyond.

Rachael Walker (left) and Krista Beahm (center) join Mike McCool (right) in the Royal Examiner studio to talk about bringing flag football back to Warren County through the PALS and Parks partnership.

Krista Beahm of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office and Rachael Walker, recreation coordinator for Warren County Parks and Recreation, are leading the effort through the PALS (Police Athletic League) program. The initiative, called “PALS and Parks,” combines recreation and mentorship to build positive relationships between young people and law enforcement.

“We thought this was a great opportunity… to bring that back to Warren County,” Beahm said, noting the growing popularity of flag football and its recent rise on the national stage.

A Growing Sport, A New Opportunity

Flag football has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, offering a safer, more accessible alternative to tackle football. The new league will be co-ed, giving both boys and girls the chance to participate.

“This is an opportunity for them to kind of get into football… without the tackle part of it,” Walker said.

The program is also supported by NFL Flag, which provides official jerseys, equipment, and branding, something organizers believe will help attract local families’ interest.

Registration and Program Details

Registration opens April 1 and runs through July 17, with practices beginning in early August at the Health and Human Services Complex on 15th Street. Games will also be held at that location.

The league will initially focus on youth ages 8 to 13, divided into three age groups. Organizers hope to field at least four teams per division, starting with a five-on-five format on a modified field.

“We’re going to start with five on five just to kind of see where we get,” Walker said.

The registration fee is $75, which includes jerseys and equipment. Scholarships and sponsorship opportunities are being developed to ensure all interested children can participate.

More Than a Game

While the return of flag football is a major highlight, officials say the program’s deeper goal is connection.

Through the PALS program, deputies will serve as coaches and mentors, helping build trust and relationships with youth in a positive, team-based environment.

“We’re still keeping that PAL focus… building that law enforcement with youth and the positive relationships,” Beahm said.

Organizers are also calling on the community to get involved, with opportunities for volunteers, coaches, and sponsors.

Busy Spring of Activities

The flag football league is just one part of a growing lineup of youth programs and events this spring.

PALS and Parks and Recreation are hosting a community Easter egg hunt on April 2 at the Student Union Building, where children can search for hundreds of eggs filled with candy and prizes, with the Easter Bunny expected to make an appearance.

Additional events planned this spring include a youth paint party in May, where children can create artwork for Mother’s Day, as well as ongoing open gym sessions that have already proven popular.

“We do all sorts of different activities and events throughout the year,” Beahm said.

These programs aim to give children a wide range of options, from sports to arts to social activities, while keeping them engaged in a safe and supportive environment.

Building a Stronger Community

Both Beahm and Walker emphasized that collaboration is key to the program’s success. Rather than competing with existing youth sports programs like soccer or Little League, the goal is to expand opportunities.

“We’re not trying to compete with each other,” Beahm said. “We’re trying to build a bigger community.”

With strong early interest and growing community support, organizers are optimistic that the program will continue to grow.

As Walker put it, the effort is about planting a seed for the future, one that will continue to expand as more families get involved.

“We’re just going to keep growing it and building it,” she said.

Town Talk, sponsored by National Media Services, Inc., is a Royal Examiner series that introduces you to local entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and public officials who help shape Warren County. Conversations cover a wide range of topics about our community and the people making a difference.