Let’s Go Buffalo!-- The National Gay Flag Football League (NGFFL) is proud to be coming to Buffalo this year. With a new partnership between The League (NGFFL) and The Buffalo Bills, our city will further its representation and commitment to building the LGBTQ+ Allies sports community in Western New York. Let us introduce to you the Buffalo United Flag Football League.

 

The 2024 season is planning to kick-off with an abbreviated first year season starting mid-September, and will run through October, on Saturday afternoons. This initial season will consist of a skills clinic, pick-up games, and official games, with the mini-season coming at NO COST to new players that sign up. We also look forward to throwing multiple social events to further bring everyone together.

 

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What is this league all about?

Buffalo United Flag Football (BUFF) is a local league dedicated to fostering a strong sense of community, camaraderie, and inclusivity through the sport of flag football. As part of the National Gay Flag Football League (NGFFL), we serve the LGBTQ+ community and their allies in Western New York and neighboring cities, by providing a safe, supportive, and dynamic environment for recreational sports.

 

Our leadership team is a group of local leaders, businesspeople, and football enthusiasts that are donating their time and energy working together to bring this league to fruition.

 

A few of our main objectives include:

• Inclusive Participation: We offer a safe and welcoming environment where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies can enjoy competitive and friendly team sports.

• Community Building: We foster lifelong relationships and a family-style support system among team members.

• Healthy Lifestyle: We promote opportunities for healthy exercise and the development of life skills beyond traditional social settings for LGBTQ+ members.

• Volunteerism: We engage in community service and volunteer activities to give back to the Buffalo community.

• Educational Outreach: We raise awareness and provide education on important sexual health topics, including HIV/AIDS. Also, in order to promote excitement and growth of flag football as a sport and now a varsity sport in high schools across New York, we intend to work with PAL, the Police Athletic League in Buffalo, for our younger generations.

• Community Engagement: The Buffalo NGFFL is deeply committed to community engagement and service. Our members participate in various volunteer activities and partnerships with local organizations. Through these efforts, we aim to give back more than we take, embodying one of the core pillars of our league and the NGFFL.

 

What if I’m not great at football or have never played?

LGTBQ+ and Allies of ALL SKILL LEVELS are welcomed and encouraged to join the league. The more people, the more fun! Teams will be compiled based off of a blind draft system as well, thus you don’t need to worry about forming a team either. We feel this is the best way to help build up our community and also make some new friends while we’re at it. We intend to provide the skills necessary for you to have fun and also boost your football skills with regards to player safety.

 

We will do so through the following structure:

• Season Structure: Our league features skills clinic, ref training, pre-season scrimmages, regular season games, playoffs, and a championship event.

• Social Events: We organize social events after games and throughout the year to strengthen community bonds.

• Skill Development: We offer practices and scrimmages for players to enhance their skills.

• Fair Play: All games are officiated by trained referees to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience.

• Recognition: At the end of each season, we hold an awards ceremony to honor outstanding players and teams

 

Where will the league be playing?

This season we will be playing in the town of Tonawanda at Ensminger Fields– 247 Ensminger Rd.

 

How long is the season?

While this season will only run from September-October, upcoming seasons will typically hold spring and fall leagues. Our schedule will consist of playing on SATURDAYS:

• SEPT 14th 1PM – Skills / Refs Clinic

• SEPT 15th 1PM - Skills / Refs Clinic

• SEPT 21st 1PM - Brief Skills Clinic followed by Pick Up Games

• SEPT 28th 1PM - Brief Skills Clinic followed by Pick Up Games

• OCT5th 1PM - Brief Skills Clinic followed by Pick Up Games OCT12th 1PM- Start of Mini Season

• Oct 19th 1PM - Game 2 of Mini Season

• Oct 26th 1PM - Game 3 of Mini Season

 

Each week will be followed by a league social event hosted by one of our league sponsors.

 

Will we compete with other cities?

Our initial season will consist solely of Buffalo teams. Since the NGFFL is a national league, future seasons may have the opportunity to compete with teams outside the Buffalo area, as the local league grows.

 

Are there opportunities for involvement if I don’t want to be a player?

Yes! We are in need of leadership support, refs, team cheerleaders, and community partners. If you’re interested in being involved in a specific way or are unsure how you’d like to be involved but want to be, we encourage you to reach out to us, as there are many different ways people can be involved.

 

If you would like to express interest in playing or becoming involved with the league in some way, please email us at buffalo@ngffl.org. To stay up to date with upcoming season and Buffalo league information, follow us @buffalounitedflagfootball on IG and FB and make sure to visit ngffl.org/buffalo to join our updates email list.