Little First Downs — Flag Football for Ages 3–8 in GTA North
Little First Downs is where a child's football journey begins — built entirely around fun, movement, and encouragement. No contact, no pressure, no experience needed. Just a ball in their hands and a team to belong to.
EVERY GREAT ATHLETE STARTED SOMEWHERE.
Before the tackles, the trophies, and the Friday-night lights — there was a first practice. Little First Downs is that first step: a safe, joyful introduction to football for the youngest Sentinels, where the only goal is to fall in love with the game.
TWO STAGES, BUILT FOR HOW LITTLE ONES LEARN.
A three-year-old and an eight-year-old are not the same learner. That's why Little First Downs is split into two developmentally distinct bands — so every child is met exactly where they are.
Register Your InterestMEET YOUR CHILD
WHERE THEY ARE.
Little Sentinels
Play-based movement & flag introduction
Games, obstacle circuits, and imaginative play — with parents encouraged to join in. No formal competition. Just running, laughing, and getting comfortable with a ball and a team.
Comfort with a football, running and changing direction, balance and coordination, and their very first taste of being part of a team.
Flag Discovery
Structured flag football fundamentals
Small-sided flag games, basic positions, and simple rules — taught in short, high-energy bursts that respect young attention spans.
Flag-pulling, spacing and movement, throwing and catching basics, and the pure joy of team play.
THREE THINGS THAT
MAKE THIS DIFFERENT.
Fun Comes First
If a child doesn't enjoy it, they won't come back — and we know it. Energy, encouragement, and laughter aren't extras here. They're the whole point.
Physical Literacy for Life
Running, stopping, changing direction, balance, coordination — the athletic foundations every future sport is built on. We build them here, through play.
The Pathway Starts Here
Little First Downs is Tier 1 of the Sentinel Pathway. Every athlete who one day wears a Sentinels jersey can trace their start right back to here.
WHAT A SESSION
LOOKS LIKE.
Warm-Up & Play
Movement games and fun to get bodies moving.
Skill of the Day
One simple, age-appropriate football skill, taught through play.
Small-Sided Games
Low-pressure games where every child gets the ball and gets involved.
Celebrate
Every session ends with encouragement, high-fives, and a reason to come back next week.
Warm-Up & Play
Movement games and fun to get bodies moving.
Skill of the Day
One simple, age-appropriate football skill, taught through play.
Small-Sided Games
Low-pressure games where every child gets the ball and gets involved.
Celebrate
Every session ends with encouragement, high-fives, and a reason to come back next week.
YOUR REGISTRATION
COVERS.
Age-Appropriate Coaching
Every session is led by coaches trained to work with young children.
Flag Belt & Junior Football
All equipment provided. No gear for you to buy.
Weekly Indoor or Outdoor Sessions
Indoor in winter, outdoor in spring and fall.
Attention-Span-Friendly Length
Short 45–60 minute sessions that keep little ones engaged.
Safe, Enclosed Venues
Vaughan Sportsplex and community fields.
Parent Participation Encouraged
Parents join in for Little Sentinels (ages 3–5).
Fully Non-Contact — Flag Only
No protective gear required. No tackling, ever.
TeamLinkt Access
Schedules and communication — all in one app.
IS THIS RIGHT
FOR YOUR CHILD?
- Is between 3 and 8 years old
- Is brand new to football (no experience needed — ever)
- Loves to run, move, and play
- Is ready for their very first team experience
- Isn't ready for contact (and doesn't need to be)
If your athlete is 8 or older and ready for more structure, Flag Football or Forge may be the better next step.
Explore All ProgramsSAFE BY DESIGN.
Little First Downs is 100% non-contact. No helmets, no pads, no tackling — just flag football in a safe, enclosed, encouraging environment. Age-appropriate warm-ups, hydration breaks, low coach-to-child ratios, and full adherence to the Sentinels Weather & Heat Safety Policy.
WHAT'S INCLUDED.
2026 Season
LITTLE FIRST DOWNS
PRICES IN CANADIAN DOLLARS (CAD)
💳 Pay in full or choose a payment plan at registration.
* Official season dates, schedules, and final pricing are confirmed upon registration via TeamLinkt, including OFA dues.
Ready to get started?
Spots are limited by age group. Register early to secure your athlete's placement. We confirm within 24 hours and follow up with full payment details.
NTS SERVES: VAUGHAN · AURORA · KING · MAPLE · NORTH YORK · STOUFFVILLE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Little First Downs is for children ages 3–8, split into two developmental bands: Little Sentinels (ages 3–5) and Flag Discovery (ages 6–8).
No experience needed — ever. This is built as a child's very first introduction to football. We start from the very beginning in a fun, pressure-free environment.
Yes — 100% non-contact. There is no tackling, no blocking, and no helmets or pads. Children wear a flag belt; defense pulls the flag instead of making contact. It is one of the safest ways to introduce a child to team sport.
You will need running shoes or cleats, mouth guard and water bottle. Flags are provided.
Sessions run 45–60 minutes — short enough to respect young attention spans while keeping little ones engaged and active.
Around age 6–8, children can transition into our Flag Football program for more structured play, and from there onto Forge and the rest of the Sentinel Pathway. Coaches will recommend the right next step.
Sessions are held at the Vaughan Sportsplex and community fields across GTA North, with indoor options through the winter.
Yes. Payment plans are available at registration — you can pay in full or spread the cost across scheduled installments.
We are unable to provide refunds. All registration fees are final. If you have any questions about your registration, contact info@sentinelsfootball.ca.
Financial Assistance Available
Need help covering registration costs?
Programs like Canadian Tire Jumpstart, Their Opportunity, and KidSport are here to help Canadian families fund their athlete's participation. Don't let cost be a barrier.
Little First Downs is the very first rung of the Sentinel Pathway — Tier 1. Every journey starts here.
READY FOR THEIR FIRST SEASON?
Give your child the best possible first experience with football. Spots are limited by age group — register your interest early to secure your child's place.