Linden Offers Free Girls Flag Football Event at Milkosky Park Oct. 24

Pull a flag. Catch a pass. Find an open lane and run.

That is the invitation going out to Linden girls in grades 2 through 8. On Saturday, Oct. 24, at 11 a.m., Milkosky Park will host a free Girls Flag Football event for young players who want to get on the field, learn and grow alongside other girls from across the city.

Mayor Derek Armstead, the City of Linden and the Department of Parks & Recreation are presenting the event. Linden Public Schools shared the announcement with families under a simple message: girls, it is your time to play.

Flag football keeps the speed and strategy of the game without the tackling. A defender stops a play by pulling a flag from the ball carrier instead of bringing her to the ground. That makes it an easy way in for a girl who has watched the game for years and never had a chance to play it.

The district connects the event to its goals of building confidence, teamwork and community connections, which Linden Public Schools lists under Strategic Priority 5: Community & Stakeholder Partnership.

Milkosky Park sits at 2100 Bedle Place, near Park Avenue in the city's 8th Ward. The park has a ball field, a paved play area, lighted basketball courts, playground equipment and restrooms.

The event is open to Linden residents only, and there is no cost to take part. Families need to register by calling 908-474-8639 by Friday, Oct. 23. That leaves only a few days to save a spot.

The announcement does not say how long the event will run, what players should wear or bring, or what happens if it rains. Parents with those questions can reach the Linden Department of Parks & Recreation at (908) 474-8600 or lindenrec@linden-nj.gov. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For some Linden girls, Saturday morning could be the first time they hear their name called on a football field. Getting there starts with a phone call before Friday.