Couple launches Butler-area flag football organization; non-profit is already finding success
While flag football has gained a strong foothold in Western Pa., it is not yet up to par with other areas of the country.
Josh and Kaitlyn Federkeil, of Meridian, are aiming to change that.
With the help of USA Football, they have formed Butler Area Flag Football, a non-profit that has a goal of “creating pathways for players of all ages and skill levels to grow, improve and reach their potential,” according to its website.
Josh (New Castle High graduate) and Kaitlyn (Knoch) are both native to the region. They moved to Butler County in 2023 after living for five years near Myrtle Beach, S.C.
While there, the Federkeils' son, Corbin (now 13), got involved in flag football. His older sister, Hayden, followed his lead, and both played for two years before the family moved north.
Josh and Kaitlyn's two youngest children, Reignah (10) and Koda (8), are also now involved.
“We spent the first year here searching for a flag program similar to the one in South Carolina,” Josh said. “We were looking for something to help young players learn and develop their skills, but we couldn't find one. We decided last January that we would have to do it on our own.”
Butler Area Flag Football was born and recently held its first two events — a development team for girls in middle and high school that met twice every week for eight weeks at the Butler Intermediate High School Field and the Pullman Recreation Complex. That was followed by a four-day camp in June for boys and girls ages 6-18.
Josh Federkeil, who began coaching the sport in South Carolina, was one of four coaches to work the events.
“We had 20 girls for the development team, and most of them were starting from scratch,“ he said. ”We spent time going over the basics of the game, like what the line of scrimmage is, what a first down is. Thirty-one kids came to the camp, and at the end of each event we held scrimmages so the kids could experience a game-like setting.”
The fee for the development team was $85 and the camp was $110, with the money being used to buy equipment, shirts for the players, insurance, rent fields and advertising to promote Butler Area Flag Football.
Alex Dice, 11, of Cranberry Township, attended the four-day camp with prior experience.
“She played flag football for three seasons,” said Alex’s mother, Kristin Dice. “At one, she was the only girl, and the other two were co-ed. One thing that I like about (Butler Area Flag Football) is their plan of having all-girls teams. Kaitlyn (Federkeil) has two daughters who play, so girls playing against other girls is important to her.”
Alex Dice had a pick-six in the scrimmage at the conclusion of camp.
“That was my first one,” she said. “The drills were fun, but the scrimmage really helped me get a feel for it all.
“My dad always plays catch with me in the back yard, and I love football. Playing flag is something I wanted to try.”
The Federkeils were also involved in the Butler Area School District approving the formation of a varsity girls flag football team, which will begin play in the WPIAL next spring. Hayden, an incoming sophomore, will be on the squad.
Her enthusiasm for the sport received affirmation last summer when she attended a football skills camp at Slippery Rock University, at which a number of current and former Pittsburgh Steelers provided instruction. One of them, Terence Garvin, was so impressed with Hayden's ability that he contacted Clavens Charles, a college flag football coach at Florida Memorial University and sent him a video of Hayden's performance.
“I spoke with the coach, and he told me to tell Hayden that through talent and effort, girls can earn athletic scholarships through flag football,” Josh said.
The Federkeils are in the process of expanding Butler Area Flag Football's influence and reach.
“We are currently taking registrations for the fall,” Kaitlyn said. “Fields in Adams Township, Butler Township and possibly Cranberry Township will host in-house teams and travel teams for players who want a more competitive experience. We’re planning on having the U8 level as co-ed, but the older levels will ideally be gender specific as long as we have enough participants.
“Flag football is not tackle football's little brother. There's a different skill set involved, and teaching those to kids is important toward their growth in the sport.”
Butler Area Flag Football has attracted local interest to a sport that is sky-rocketing in popularity.
The first PIAA-sanctioned season recently concluded, with the first state championships in the sport scheduled next spring. Butler will become the fourth Butler County school to offer flag football, joining already-established programs at Seneca Valley, Mars and North Catholic. There are now over 150 high schools in Pennsylvania that sponsor flag football for girls, and it is a varsity sport in 38 states.
The NFL is spending $32 million toward the formation of professional flag leagues, one for men and one for women, and the sport will make its Olympic debut two years from now in Los Angeles.
“Flag football is building a lot of traction,” Josh said. “It's exciting to be part of it. We want to provide kids the opportunity to learn and succeed in the sport.”
For more information, visit butlerareaflag.com or the non-profit's Facebook page.
