Scotch Plains-Fanwood PAL Starts Free Inclusive Flag Football Program
Sports·October 29, 2026

Scotch Plains-Fanwood PAL Starts Free Inclusive Flag Football Program

Maria Torres · Union County Life

According to the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Police Athletic League's announcement.

A new program from the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Police Athletic League in Scotch Plains will give children with special needs a chance to learn flag football, build confidence and make friends.

Playmakers, an inclusive flag football and cheerleading program, will hold its first session Sunday, Nov. 1, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Tyson Field at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School. It is free and open to boys and girls ages 5 to 14 with special needs of all abilities.

Participants will learn flag football skills and drills, take part in team building activities and play games in a supportive environment. Teen buddies will provide coaching and peer support throughout the program.

Organizers say the program is designed to help children build confidence, develop friendships and experience playing on a team. It will also emphasize inclusion, respect and encouragement.

A sensory station will offer tools and activities to help participants regulate, recharge and take breaks in a calm, supportive space. Snacks, water and prizes will also be provided.

To register a participant, families must complete both SPF PAL's TeamSnap registration form and a separate shirt size form.

The league is also seeking volunteers to help create a welcoming and supportive experience for participants. Those interested can use the volunteer interest form shared by the Scotch Plains-Fanwood PAL.

Find more Scotch Plains events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.

Source: Scotch Plains-Fanwood Police Athletic League

Photo: Mukhtar Shuaib Mukhtar / Pexels

What to do

When
Sunday, Nov. 1, 9 to 10 a.m. (first session).
Where
Tyson Field, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.
Cost
Free.
How to register
Complete both SPF PAL's TeamSnap registration form (https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/532756) and a separate shirt size form. Open to boys and girls ages 5 to 14 with special needs of all abilities.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free flag football program for kids with special needs in Scotch Plains?

Yes. The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Police Athletic League's Playmakers program is free and open to boys and girls ages 5 to 14 with special needs of all abilities.

When and where is the first Playmakers session?

The first session is Sunday, Nov. 1, from 9 to 10 a.m. at Tyson Field at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.

How do I sign up my child for SPF PAL Playmakers?

Families need to complete both SPF PAL's TeamSnap registration form and a separate shirt size form.

Related articles

Get Union County news in your inbox

Subscribe for local headlines, town updates, and community stories from across Union County.

Sign up for the newsletter
Viviana Zapata, REALTOR®

YOUR UNION COUNTY REAL ESTATE EXPERT

Viviana Zapata

REALTOR® · Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Elite

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson · NJ · 181 North Ave East, Cranford NJ

Union County Life's real estate content, listings, and IDX data are presented under the license and control of Viviana Zapata, REALTOR®. All property searches and listing displays on this site are Viviana's displays.

Viviana Zapata, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Elite. 181 North Avenue East, Cranford, NJ 07016. Member NJMLS, CJMLS, GSMLS. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the IDX Program of Garden State Multiple Listing Service. Real estate listings held by other brokerage firms are marked as IDX Listing. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. © 2026 Garden State MLS. All rights reserved.