The sport of flag football is on the rise, both locally and at a national and international level.

Two weeks before the Humboldt Flag Football League begins its inaugural playoffs, local fans can get a taste of what the sport is all about and the excitement associated with it with blanket coverage on television this weekend.

ESPN and The NFL Network are broadcasting the action from the NFL Flag Championships, which are taking place in Canton, Ohio.

The games are available on ESPN Plus and there also is round the clock coverage on The NFL Network.

According to a story on ESPN, NFL Flag is the largest youth flag football league in the U.S.

This weekend’s tournament features boys and girls brackets.

The sport is also scheduled to be included in the 2028 Olympic Games, showcasing its international appeal.

Locally, the first-ever season for Humboldt Flag Football is winding down.

The season got under way in June and features youth teams from around the county.

The 2024 Humboldt Flag Football playoffs will begin in two weeks on Aug.3, with the championship games set to take place at Hiller Park in McKinleyville on Aug. 10.

For more information on Humboldt Flag Football, you can visit the league’s website.

A second local youth flag football season — Beasts Youth Flag Football — will take place in the fall.