By Gene Galin (Part 1 of a 2 part series)
Pittsboro, NC – On a snowy Tuesday in January 2025, Asheebo Rojas of the Chatham News & Record and I sat down with former Cincinnati Bengals football player Cedric Peerman to discuss his dream of offering a new local youth sports option. Cedric is working towards launching a new flag football league in Chatham County, aimed at providing a safe and inclusive outlet for youth sports. As an assistant coach at Northwood High School, Peerman is passionate about fostering confidence and sportsmanship among young athletes, regardless of gender, and hopes to bridge the gap in youth football opportunities in the region.
The Vision Behind the League
Cedric Peerman, a nine-year NFL veteran, has taken on the challenge of creating a flag football league in Chatham County. With a family of five children and as a Chatham County resident, Peerman Cedric Peerman, a nine-year NFL veteran, “Our hope to just grow the game of football,” he said, emphasizing that the league is designed for both boys and girls.
The initiative comes at a time when youth football faces scrutiny over safety concerns, particularly regarding concussions. Peerman believes that flag football presents a safer alternative, allowing children to engage with the sport without the physical risks associated with tackle football. “Flag football is a relatively safe sport that anyone can participate in, regardless of age or skill level,” he explained.
Collaboration with the NFL
Peerman’s league is backed by the NFL, which has contracted RCX Sports to help develop resources and materials for the program. This partnership underscores the NFL’s commitment to growing flag football at the grassroots level, especially as the sport gains popularity across the nation. The NFL wants to grow flag football, especially with its rising popularity, reflecting on the league’s efforts to change perceptions about the sport.
Serving the Community
The flag football league aims to serve not only Chatham County but also the surrounding areas, including Durham and Chapel Hill. Peerman identified a gap in youth tackle football programs, particularly for sixth to eighth graders, which the new league aims to fill. “There’s not a big tackle football presence for youth in Chapel Hill that I’m aware of,” he said, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for children to participate in football.
The league is set to kick off its first games on February 22, 2025, with all practices and games scheduled for Saturdays. This structure is designed to accommodate busy family schedules, making it easier for parents to participate in their children’s sports activities. Peerman wants to make it as convenient as possible for parents.
Focus on Development and Sportsmanship
One of the core principles of Peerman’s league is the emphasis on skill development and sportsmanship. He aims to create a fun and competitive atmosphere where children can learn the fundamentals of football while also developing important life skills. “We want the kids to learn how to compete and we want them to learn to have good sportsmanship while you compete,” he stated, adding that the league’s focus will be on long-term development rather than immediate success.
Peerman’s coaching philosophy involves simplifying the game for young players. He emphasizes basic mechanics and simple phrases to help children understand the game without overwhelming them with complex strategies. “Catch, turn, throw—it’s just simple one-word phrases that are easy to remember,” he explained, underscoring the importance of building confidence in young athletes.
The Role of Volunteer Coaches
To ensure that participants receive quality instruction, Peerman is actively seeking volunteer coaches from the community. He stressed that patience and encouragement are essential traits for coaches working with young athletes. It’s all about creating a positive environment where kids can learn and grow. Coaches should focus on the fundamentals and help kids build their confidence on the field.
To ensure the success of the league, Peerman is actively seeking volunteer coaches from the community. He believes that patience and encouragement are key attributes for coaches working with young athletes. “You’re not going to have Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce out on the field with you, so patience is crucial,” he advised, emphasizing the need for coaches to create a supportive environment for children to learn and grow.
Peerman also plans to provide training for volunteer coaches, equipping them with the tools they need to effectively teach the game. Peerman plans to train volunteer coaches to focus on the individual needs of players, ensuring that each child has the opportunity to succeed on the field. Coaches are going to work on specific skills in practice and put players in positions to succeed during games, reinforcing the league’s commitment to player development.
By fostering a supportive coaching staff, he hopes to create a nurturing atmosphere that prioritizes both skill development and enjoyment.
Bridging the Gap to Tackle Football
As the conversation shifted to the relationship between flag football and tackle football, Peerman shared his insights on how the skills learned in flag football can translate to the tackle game. He noted that many young athletes in Chatham County currently lack access to tackle football programs, particularly for the sixth to eighth-grade age group. This gap can leave aspiring football players without the foundational skills necessary for success in high school football.
“Our flag football league can help bridge the gap with developing key fundamentals,” Peerman explained. This helps kids develop key skills like route running, teamwork, and game strategy. When flag football players eventually transition to tackle football, they’ll have a solid understanding of the game and be better prepared to compete.
Peerman is optimistic that the skills learned in flag football will translate well to tackle football for those who choose to transition later. He believes that flag football teaches important fundamentals that can help kids succeed in tackle football, noting that skills like quick decision-making and proper tackling techniques are vital for young athletes.
By providing a foundation in flag football, Peerman hopes to prepare children for future opportunities in tackle football, particularly as they enter high school. He believes that the flag football league can help bridge the gap and develop key fundamentals that high school coaches are looking for, highlighting the potential long-term impact of the program.
Growing Opportunities for Girls
In addition to serving boys, Peerman is particularly passionate about promoting flag football for girls. As the sport gains traction, he believes that more girls will be encouraged to participate, leading to increased competition and visibility. With the growing popularity of girls’ flag football across the country, he sees immense potential for young female athletes in Chatham County. “I really feel like the upside is unlimited,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of providing girls with opportunities to participate in a sport that is gaining traction at all levels.
Peerman believes that girls’ flag football can serve as a pathway to college scholarships and further athletic opportunities. He feels that if your daughter don’t excel in basketball or soccer, here’s another opportunity for them to shine. He is encouraging parents to consider the benefits of flag football for their daughters.
“The upside is unlimited,” he stated. Girls’ flag football is not just about playing a sport; it’s about building confidence, teamwork, and resilience. These are valuable life skills that extend far beyond the field.
The Future of Flag Football
As Peerman looks to the future, he is excited about the potential for flag football to become a recognized sport at the collegiate level. With some universities already adopting flag football as an official sport, he believes that the groundwork is being laid for a sustainable future. He’s looking forward to helping local youth explore opportunities that come with flag football and is committed to fostering the sport in the community.
As Cedric Peerman prepares for the launch of the new flag football league in Chatham County, his vision is clear: to create a safe and enjoyable environment for young athletes to learn and grow. With the support of the NFL and the community, this initiative has the potential to transform youth sports in the area, providing opportunities for both boys and girls to engage with football in a meaningful way.
For more information about the league or to register go to flagfootballelite.org
Watch our video conversation on YouTube – Part 1 of 2 – Cedric Peerman on starting a Flag Football league in Chatham County – 1.22.25
Cedric Peerman Discusses Launching a Flag Football League for Youth in Chatham County
00:16 Cedric Peerman discusses starting a flag football league in Chatham County.
- The goal of the league is to grow the game of football and provide more opportunities for youth in the community.
- Peerman emphasizes building confidence in all children through flag football, promoting inclusivity among genders.
02:22 Cedric Peerman discusses launching a Flag Football league for all genders in Chatham County.
- The NFL has partnered with RCX Sports to provide resources for creating the league, emphasizing safety and accessibility.
- The league aims to serve the entire Triangle area, promoting participation among both girls and boys in Flag Football.
04:45 Cedric Peerman discusses launching a youth Flag Football league in Chatham County.
- The league targets Chapel Hill area youth, filling a gap for sixth to eighth-grade programs.
- Games and practices are scheduled for Saturdays, fostering convenience and an enjoyable atmosphere for families.
06:58 Cedric Peerman emphasizes fun and skill development in youth flag football.
- The league offers five six-week seasons to encourage kids to join and enjoy flag football regularly.
- Focus is placed on teaching fundamentals like quick decision-making for quarterbacks to build confidence and sportsmanship.
09:02 Cedric Peerman emphasizes simple football mechanics for youth engagement.
- He advocates using basic phrases for coaching, focusing on essential skills like catching, turning, and throwing.
- Cedric stresses the importance of tailoring plays to specific players to build confidence and ensure successful experiences.
11:12 Coaching youth flag football requires patience and focus on fundamentals.
- Coaches need patience, as kids often lack focus during practice, which necessitates discipline.
- Emphasizing fundamentals, like starting in the proper stance, helps kids develop skills that translate to tackle football.
13:13 Cedric Peerman discusses teaching tackling techniques through flag football.
- Effective tackling is crucial for defense, and flag football helps develop those skills without the risk of injury.
- Proper technique involves maintaining control and balance, using body positioning to grab flags rather than using the helmet.
15:21 Flag football can develop essential skills for youth transitioning to high school football.
- Many youth lack experience in tackle football, which can hinder their high school performance.
- Flag football provides an opportunity to learn fundamental skills like route running and teamwork before tackling.
17:32 Cedric Peerman discusses the importance of establishing a Flag Football league.
- The league aims to increase youth participation in football across Chatham County and surrounding areas.
- Peerman highlights the positive impact of flag football on tackle football participation, referencing a successful program in Pittsburgh.
19:38 Girls’ flag football offers unlimited growth and opportunities.
- Participation in flag football can lead to college opportunities, providing girls an additional sport to enjoy and succeed in.
- The increasing popularity and marketing of girls’ flag football promise sustainability, promoting confidence, teamwork, and perseverance among young athletes.
21:44 Cedric Peerman discusses character development through flag football.
- Adversity in Peerman’s playing career shaped his character, which he believes can be further developed in his league.
- Good coaching relationships are essential for instilling values in players and promoting opportunities for girls in flag football.
23:35 Flag football offers significant opportunities for youth, especially girls.
- NCAA recognition of flag football could lead to scholarships and further education funding.
- The growing landscape of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals presents new prospects for female athletes.