Flag football –a non-contact version of American football– sparks interest among Latino youth
“La Liga del Barrio,” a non-profit organization founded in 2000 by former City Councilman Angel L. Ortiz, has supported more than 20,000 student-athletes in partnership with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Sixers Youth Foundation. Now, the organization is expanding its sports offerings beyond basketball. Starting this fall, it will launch an “NFL FLAG” (non-contact American football) program at the Mariana Bracetti Academy charter school.
This initiative provides another way to reach young people, offering them an additional space to build confidence, make friends, and grow through teamwork. As with the organization’s existing activities, participants will be guided by the same dedicated adults and will continue to experience a strong sense of belonging every Saturday afternoon.
“Our families have always associated us with basketball, but they know that, beyond the sport, we help foster confidence, character, and lasting friendships,” says Raymond Álvarez, president and executive director of “La Liga del Barrio.”
“Flag football gives us another arena to carry out this work, and it’s an extra incentive for kids to get involved,” Raymond adds.
Recently, “La Liga” met with Damion Wilson of the Jalen Hurts Foundation, who expressed interest in exploring potential collaborations between the two organizations.
Even with the addition of this new sport, “La Liga del Barrio” remains committed to its core mission: being there for young people and helping them build a future.
