This summer, the PFFL will take another step to grow and expand when it begins a new section in North Park. It is a big step for the once-modest organization, which started as a small group on the South Side back in 2009.

For its first few seasons, the league struggled to get enough kids to operate. It depended heavily on coaches’ relatives and was forced to merge age divisions. Often, 6- and 7-year-olds matched up against 11- and 12-year-olds.

The league knew things would get better though, asking the early adopters to stick with the process. Those who did were rewarded, as the PFFL grew to become a competitive and fun experience.

In the fall of 2016, the league included an interscholastic division for the first time. A few months later, in the spring 2017 season, 285 kids signed up to play. There were four action-packed youth divisions, and it was the most exciting season the league ever had.

Now, a brand-new section will start up at JC Stone Field in North Park. It will start small — the same as the PFFL itself — but it will help kids from northern Allegheny County to compete. It will take time to grow, but the hope is that it can match the South Side at some point down the line.

Registration is still open for both sections, so don’t miss out on an exciting summer of PFFL flag football. The season just started last Sunday and the cost to register is $110 per child.