Football League for Kids With Disabilities to Play at Freedom High

The Champion Football League of Northern Virginia (CFL), a league for kids with disabilities, will kick off its second season on Saturday at in South Riding.

Games take place every Saturday at noon through Saturday, Nov. 3.  

“This league is about the entire football experience — the excitement of the sport, the unity of a team, the support of the fans, and the reward of players pushing themselves to achieve,” Brian Ray, the president of the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia (DSANV), said in a press release.

"DSANV created the CFL in 2011 to provide a safe and fun environment where individuals with special needs could experience the excitement and camaraderie associated with team football. The CFL hopes that every player will learn the basic rules and skills of the game, as well as experience the dynamics of teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership," a release from DSANV reads.  

No previous football experience is required to join the team and there is no registration fee. Games are played in flag football-style. The league is open to anyone with a physical or intellectual disability over age 5 who lives in Northern Virginia. 

The coaching and football staff at Freedom High will provide training for the teams. 

DSANV is also offering Champion Cheerleading this fall. Cheerleading is open to anyone over the age of 5 who has a physical or intellectual disability and lives in the Northern Virginia area. The cheerleading season has the same schedule as the football season. No registration fee or prior cheerleading experience is required. The Freedom High cheer team and coaches will train the cheerleaders. 

Correction: A previous version of this article stated the league was for kids with Down Syndrome. It is also for kids with other disabilities.