Wearing Browns NFL Flag T-shirts with neon green flags around their waist, youth athletes participated in different non-contact agility drills with smiles on their faces. Some rocked white headbands with matching arm sleeves as they showed off their skills.
On Oct. 6, the Browns held a free co-ed flag football clinic to kick off their partnership with the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department at Kilbourne Run Sports Complex as they launch the Jr. Browns NFL Flag Program across recreation centers throughout the city. Each recreation center in Columbus will receive a toolkit including a ball pump, flag belts, footballs and digital resources that will help staff and volunteer coaches teach players the game. The first season is set to begin in the spring of 2027.
"Columbus Recreation and Parks couldn't be more excited to partner with the Cleveland Browns to expand high-quality youth sports programming across Columbus," Assistant Director of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Kasey Kaschak said. "With the help of the Cleveland Browns, Columbus Recreation and Parks will be able to continue to create opportunities for young athletes to be active, build confidence and develop teamwork and leadership skills. This partnership aligns with the city's commitment to ensuring that every child can participate in youth sports, regardless of experience or background."
The Jr. Browns NFL Flag Program is the Browns' official flag football program for kids ages 5-14 years old, providing both boys and girls with the chance to play in one of the NFL's largest organized non-contact football leagues. The program also provides boys and girls the opportunity to participate in one of the fastest growing sports in America. Partnering with the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department highlights the Browns' dedication to expanding their youth football programming in Ohio.
The benefits of the Browns' flag football programming extend beyond the field, too. Flag football teaches athletes cognitive, social and personal life skills, according to Kaschak.
"We know that barriers may affect a child's ability to engage in recreational activities that are important for their development," Kaschak said. "With our relationship with the Browns, we are removing some of those barriers so that all children can engage in meaningful recreation with their peers."
With the Browns' partnership, Kaschak is excited for how the Jr. Browns NFL Flag Program will positively impact athletes both on and off the field.
"Our community centers are and always will be the heart of our community youth programming," Kaschak said. "Our centers offer engaging, impactful programming for our youth that meet the needs of a diverse community. It's important to us that our flag football programs take place at our community centers so that young athletes can build relationships and be active with peers right there in their community. By investing in our young people, Columbus Recreation and Parks is investing in the future of our neighborhoods."
The clinic was open for athletes in second through eighth grade and each participant received dinner and ice cream. The athletes built fundamental flag football skills by going through different stations of non-contact drills during the event. According to Kaschak, the event marked the first time some of the athletes had engaged in sports with the recreation center, serving as an opportunity for them to stay active.
"It was an incredible experience to see the excitement from every athlete, from registration to the end of the clinic," Kaschak said. "The clinic was high paced, and incredibly engaging. The level of organization and care that the Browns put into each and every part of the clinic created a truly unique experience that I'm sure the athletes will never forget."
For more information, visit the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks website, where updates will be provided on the 2027 spring flag football season.
