NYC Parks is holding a free Girls Flag Football Festival on the Beach 32nd Street football field in Rockaway on Wednesday, November 11, Veterans Day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is open to participants 14 and under, and it is a day of drills, games and competition rather than a single tournament, so a girl who has never held a football can come and try every station.

What happens at the festival

Queens Recreation, the NYC Parks division that runs programs at the borough's recreation centers and fields, is organizing the day. The stations include:

  • A 40-yard dash, the sprint scouts use to time football players at every level.
  • Quarterback accuracy challenges, throwing at targets.
  • A football obstacle course.
  • Drills and games built around flag football, the version of the sport played with flags pulled from a belt instead of tackles.

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is open through the day of the event on the NYC Parks site, which also asks first-time users to create an account.

Why flag football

Flag football keeps the passing, running and play-calling of the game without the tackling, and it is the version most kids in the city first play in parks, schools and youth leagues. A festival format, with stations instead of a bracket, lets younger players try throwing, catching and sprinting without needing a team or any experience. NYC Parks lists the day under its games, sports and kids categories.

The field

The Beach 32nd Street Football Field sits along Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk on the eastern end of the peninsula, at Beach 32nd Street in Far Rockaway, a few blocks from the ocean. On a November morning the wind off the water can be stiff, so dress in layers and bring water.

How to go

The field is at Beach 32nd Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691. The A train on its Far Rockaway branch stops at Beach 36 St and Beach 25 St, each a short walk from the field. Bus riders can take the Q22 along the peninsula.

Wednesday, November 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free, for ages 14 and under. For more information, contact the organizers at (718) 393-7370 or through the contact listed on the NYC Parks event page. Accessibility questions go to NYC Parks at (212) 360-1430.

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