Growing Multi-Sport Opportunities in the Carolinas: CLA x Under the Lights Flag Football

Written By Ricky Reyes

At Carolina Lacrosse Association, our mission goes beyond building championship teams. We’re committed to growing access to sports in the Carolinas, creating pathways for every child to get involved — whether they’re dreaming of playing in college, or just looking for a fun and active way to spend their weekends.

That’s why we’re excited to announce our new partnership with Under the Lights Flag Football, the exclusive youth flag football partner of Unrivaled Sports.

Why Flag Football + Lacrosse Makes Sense

For years, coaches and researchers have recognized that multi-sport athletes are stronger athletes. By playing different sports, kids develop better overall athleticism, reduce the risk of burnout, and keep the joy in the game.

Our new Winter Flag Football League at Elon Park fits perfectly between our Winter Lacrosse League and the Spring Lacrosse season. It’s the ideal mix-up before lacrosse ramps back up — building agility, speed, and teamwork in a fun, confidence-building environment.

And best of all: no prior experience is needed.

Flag football gives every child — from first-time athletes to experienced players — a chance to play, compete, and grow.

Program Details

  • Who: Boys & Girls, PreK–8th Grade

  • Where: Elon Park

  • When: 6 weeks on Saturdays (practice before each game) starting late January 2026 through February 2026

✅ No tryouts. No drafts.
✅ Rosters built around friends, schools, and neighborhoods.
✅ Volunteer coaches (head & assistant) — parents welcome to sign up.

More Than Just Lacrosse

At CLA, we have the platform to deliver the highest level lacrosse development and instruction. We help athletes sharpen their skills, compete nationally, and even get recruited to the next stage of their careers.

But that’s only part of our mission.

We also know there’s a large population of kids who simply want to try sports, stay active, and have fun with friends. This partnership allows us to serve both groups:

  • The competitive athlete chasing the next level

  • And the new athlete discovering what they love

Because at the end of the day, it’s all about opportunity.

Building Community Through Sports

CLA and Under the Lights share a belief that sports should do more than just teach X’s and O’s. They should bring people together.

That’s why our leagues are designed for the whole family — not just the players. Saturday nights at Elon Park will mean kids on the field, parents on the sidelines, music in the background, and a community that continues to grow stronger through sport.

Looking Ahead

This is just the beginning. Our vision is to continue expanding multi-sport and recreational opportunities across the Carolinas so every child has a chance to play, grow, and belong.

Whether it’s flag football, lacrosse, or the next sport we bring to the table, our mission stays the same: to create pathways that give kids access, help them discover what they love, and support them wherever that journey takes them.

Join Us This Winter

We’re excited to bring the lacrosse and football communities together in this collaboration. Let’s keep growing sports access in the Carolinas, one season at a time.

Ricky Reyes