Squad Up. Pod Up.
WINTER FLAG FOOTBALL PODS
Is “pod” a weird way to describe a self-contained group of players? We don’t know.
What we do know is these are a HIT. We’ve now had thousands of kids play in our pods (in groups of 8-14) and they have been an overwhelming success. They’re fun, productive and a great chance to play some ball.
And we want more!!
Winter 24/25 Pod Basics
WHO: Pre-formed groups of 6-14 kids. K - 10th Grade.
WHAT: Weekly sessions of skills, drills and scrimmaging. 7 weeks total (beginning the week of December 9th).
WHEN: Weekdays and Weekends. Sessions start the week of December 9th, and will run through the week of February 3rd (with the 2nd week of February as our rain/snow-out option).
NOTE: We will be OFF December 23rd through January 5th for Winter Break.
TIME: Your Call! Most weekday pods will run from 3:30-5:00 (because of limited daylight).
Weekends: 9:00-10:30am | 11:00am-12:30pm | 1:00-2:30pm | 3:00-4:30pm
PLEASE NOTE: Time Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. We’re working hard to accommodate everyone, but we have high standards for programming and we’ll only assign coaches we’ve trained/trust.
WHERE: The field/location is of your choosing. We’ve been hunting down Winter field permits as best we can, although many of these pods have been more of a fly-by-night operation. Rather than a league format (where we need guaranteed fields and permits), we’ve treated these pods as more of an informal gathering of kids. In the same way a group of kids might show up at a neighborhood field and play an impromptu game, many of our pods operate by simply “squatting” on fields.
We apologize this isn’t a “cleaner” solution, but we’ve managed to find a location for every single one of our pods thus far. And we’ll always work and adapt and adjust to find a field solution. .
WHY: If you’ve read this far, you already know.
PRICING (90 Minutes):
Once per week: $235 per player
Twice per week: $375 per player
PRICING (60 Minutes):
Once per week: $175 per player
Twice per week: $285 per player
*Pods are cheaper than league play because we do not incur jersey or field rental costs.
FREE AGENT LOOKING FOR A POD?
WE GOT YOU!
We’ve created Winter Pods for all age groups in all of our league locations. Please see below for a list of available pods:
ALEXANDRIA K-2ND FREE AGENTS: Sundays, 11:00-12:30 @ George Washington Middle School
ALEXANDRIA 3RD-5TH FREE AGENTS: Sundays, 1:00-2:30 @ George Washington Middle School
ALEXANDRIA 6TH-8TH FREE AGENTS: Sundays, 3:00-4:30 @ George Washington Middle School
ARLINGTON K-2ND FREE AGENTS: Sundays; 9:30-10:30am @ Jamestown Elementary
ARLINGTON 3RD-5TH FREE AGENTS: Sundays, 11:00-12:30 @ Jamestown Elementary
ARLINGTON 6TH-8TH FREE AGENTS: Sundays; 11:00-12:30 @ Jamestown Elementary
BETHESDA K-2ND FREE AGENTS: Saturdays; 11:30-12:30 @ Meadowbrook Park
BETHESDA 3RD-5TH FREE AGENTS: Saturdays, 1:00-2:30 @ Meadowbrook Park
BETHESDA 6TH-8TH FREE AGENTS: Sundays, 3:00-4:30 @ Meadowbrook Park
CAP HILL WINTER SKILLS CLINIC (K-8TH): Sundays; 1:00-2:30 @ The Fields at RFK
MCLEAN K-2ND FREE AGENTS: Sundays, 1:00-2:00 @ Spring Hill RECenter
MCLEAN 3RD-5TH FREE AGENTS: Sundays, 3:00-4:30 @ Spring Hill RECenter
MCLEAN 6TH-8TH FREE AGENTS: Sundays, 3:00-4:30 @ Spring Hill RECenter
NW DC K-2ND FREE AGENTS: Sundays, 1:30-2:30 @ Deal Middle School
NW DC 3RD-5TH FREE AGENTS: Sundays, 3:00-4:30 @ Deal Middle School
NW DC 6TH-8TH FREE AGENTS: Sundays, 3:00-4:30 @ Deal Middle School
Inclement Weather Policy
We will let you know at least 1 hour in advance if pods are cancelled because of weather or field conditions (can you believe we’re planning for snow already?!) Make sure you opt in to email communications on your Sports Engine account.
No news = good news = your pod is on!
If there are rain/thunderstorms in the forecast, we’re going to make a go/no-go programming decision 60 minutes before our scheduled start time (which allows our coaches the time to commute/set-up before practice starts).
We’re always ready to play in the rain, but if there is a > 65% chance of thunderstorms in the forecast, we’re going to cancel the program for the day. And in the event that we cancel a program, we’ll reschedule that for the rain make-up week (the week of Nov. 8).
If there is < 65% of thunderstorms -- but if thunderstorms are still in the forecast -- we are going to try and run programs. We’ll deploy our coaches to the field and -- if we play or not -- pay them for that days work. BUT -- because there’s no indoor shelter nearby -- we need parents to be in their cars and close to the field in the case the kids need to seek shelter. If you can’t be there to wait in your car on days when thunderstorms are in the forecast, please pre-plan with another parent who can take your kid into their car in the event of a storm. I just can’t (and won’t) have kids getting in cars with coaches.
“These things have been awesome. You all should be super proud of yourselves. Tell me if you want a testimonial or something for the website.”
FAQs
“Do I have to have a full group to participate?”
The short answer is no. The long answer is that it may take a bit more time to match free agents together in convenient locations.
“I’m not a part of a group. Is there an option for free agents?”
The short answer is yes. If a group in your area needs another player (or if we have enough to form a new pod), we’ll reach out and confirm. You can fill out this form to enter the Free Agent pool.
“Do you provide coaches? And how many are there?”
Yes. We will provide two coaches (one head coach and one assistant coach) to each pod. Coaches will also bring all equipment needed for each session.
“How big of a space do I need to play?”
Most any grass space will do. Park, field, or even a big backyard. We usually recommend that the space is at least 20yds x 20yds
“Can I speak to a parent who has done a pod before?”
Definitely. Email Nikki (nikki@flagstarfootball.com) and she can connect you to a number of parents who would love to talk about their experience.
“This seems like a lot of fun”
It is!
This program is run in conjunction with the Flag Star Football Foundation, in an effort to provide sustainable, impactful programming to kids throughout the DMV.
Flag Star Football / The Next Game Project LLC are proud partners of the Flag Star Football Foundation, working to provide all young athletes the opportunity to play, learn and grow.