In the heart of the magnificent state of Illinois, where the skyscrapers of Chicago hold hands with the rolling fields of corn, a unique group of kids come together. They gather not for a pizza party at the famous Gino’s East or a riveting game of hide and seek among the towering Abraham Lincoln statues, but for something even more exciting – Flag Football! Leading this bunch of energetic, giggly, and sneaky-quick kids is their cool, imaginary coach, legendary Uncle Touchdown Tony. With his hat turned backward, an oversized whistle always at the ready, and his pants perpetually pulled up too high, Uncle Tony is a sight to see! Imagine a grizzly bear doing ballet, or a giraffe trying to roller skate and you’ve got Uncle Tony. His kids, the Illinois Tornadoes, as they're known, are a force to be reckoned with. They zoom around the field so fast it's as if they've harnessed the power of the Windy City itself! With turf in their shoes, grass stains on their uniforms, and never-ending smiles on their faces, the Tornadoes make every Illinoisan proud. They laugh, they leap, they dive, and they dash, making Flag Football more than just a game. It's an Illinois spectacle! Between the wild antics of Uncle Touchdown Tony and the unyielding spirit of the Illinois Tornadoes, the state of Illinois becomes a riotous paradise of flag football fun. And trust me; you wouldn’t want to miss it for all the popcorn in Chicago!
Read morebest flag-football programs in Normal, IL


The New England Academy of Gymnastics (NEAG) is the perfect place for your little gymnast to level up their skills and make new friends this summer! With a 14,000 square foot facility that boasts both men’s and women’s Olympic equipment and plenty of training systems for each event, NEAG has everything your child needs to reach their goals. No matter what level of experience your child has, from beginner to advanced, NEAG has something to offer them.

Parents in the Bloomington-Normal area are in luck! The Cougars Junior Football League is a member of the Junior Football League of Central Illinois, which has been around since 1967. This league provides kids between the ages of 5 and 14 the opportunity to enjoy flag football, tackle football, and cheerleading. The safety of the players is the utmost priority, as all the coaches are certified by USA Football Heads Up. High school students are not eligible to play in the JFLOCI. So, sign your children up for some fun and exercise with the B-N Cougars!