The city of Lake Charles is supporting recreational sports among local youth through their Next Stars Football League. The league serves as an outlet for local children who experience a lapse in opportunity to play football.

“The Next Stars Football League was inspired by the young men within our community who previously did not have the opportunity to play a game they love for a brief period of time,” explained Michael Castille, city of Lake Charles Director of Community Services. “Flag football ends at 10 years old and the next step is middle school football. That is too great a gap and many young boys struggle to make this leap.”

He said this football league will serve as a skillful stepping stone.

“Having this next step transition, allows players to continue to grow in their sport within the adequate age groups, preparing them for the next level.”

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter Said the Next Stars Football League aims to develop essential skills within local children.

“The city’s league provides youth an organized and accessible opportunity to develop the skills necessary to successfully and safely play the game of football,” he said.

The league’s benefits are not limited to physical skill-building, Hunter explained. “Research also shows participation in organized youth sports provides youth with the opportunities to develop other life skills, like discipline,” he said. “The physical activity also provides health benefits.”

He expressed his excitement for the league.

“The city’s Next Stars Football League provides area youth, ages 9-10 and 11-12, access to a recreational football league that has not existed for a number of years,” he said. “We are thrilled with the response so far.”

Hunter said the program is not just for young football players.

“We expected to see youth suit up and take the field but we did not expect to hear the sounds of cheerleaders from the sidelines,” he said. “It is such a welcome sight to see youth of all ages taking advantage of youth sports programming in the city.”

This is the league’s inaugural season. Despite the newness of the program, the league’s launch was successful. Castille said more than 80 players registered. They were able to create four teams for the league.

“We had somewhat of a late start but next year looks promising as middle schools have reached out about this becoming their junior varsity program.”

The four teams — Raiders, Mudbugs, Chargers and Saints —compete at the Ward 3 Power Center Parkway Complex on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 8 a.m. Castille said the Championship Game will be played in McNeese State University’s Cowboy Stadium this month.

Hunter said the city looks forward to continuing this program in the coming years.

“We are thrilled to have a soft relaunch of the program this fall and look forward to expanding the program with more teams next fall,” he said. “The city wants to do our part to provide positive activities for our youth.”

Castille said that the only requirement for admission into the program is to be under 12 on the first day of registration. For more information on the Next Stars Football League, call 337-491-1280.