A Community‑Driven Football Tradition
The Narberth Athletic Association’s Co‑Ed Youth Flag Football League is celebrating its 22nd season, having evolved into the largest flag‑football organization in the United States.
Founded by lifelong enthusiast Ken Lehrer, the league began when his son Jeff showed little interest in soccer, prompting Lehrer to create a fun, non‑contact alternative for youngsters.
Today the program runs on eight fields across Welsh Valley Middle School and the borough of Narberth, offering weekly Saturday sessions that run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and serve more than 550 participants.
The league’s growth mirrors a national surge; in 2007 it expanded from 60 to 180 players aged 9‑14, and now boasts over 1,600 local leagues and roughly 500,000 youth athletes nationwide.
Local government support has been pivotal. Narberth Mayor Tom Grady helped secure field space and even opened his garage for equipment storage, while NAA President Kathleen McNulty coordinated the use of Narberth Field and Welsh Valley Middle School for alternating team schedules.
High school students serve as referees under adult supervision, adding a layer of community mentorship, and families regularly volunteer to keep the program running smoothly.
What sets the league apart is the use of official NFL team jerseys, making every player instantly recognizable on the field and reinforcing the league’s connection to the broader football culture.
With a blend of tradition, community involvement, and NFL branding, the Narberth Athletic Association continues to provide a safe, structured environment for children from grades 1 through 8 to experience the excitement of the sport.