Experience what it's like to compete on a national stage with hometown pride on the line.
Across the flag football fields and in the backyards of America's hometowns, the dream of representing your roots on a national stage comes true at this summer's USA Football Stars & States.
Athletes and coaches from California, Texas, Florida, or the Tri-State area who are part of the National Team Development Program can earn their place at Stars & States.
Stars & States will celebrate the pride of California, Texas, Florida, and the spirit of the Tri-State (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut).
The event offers National Team Development Program athletes in the 14U Boys and Girls, 16U Girls, and 18U Girls divisions the chance to train with top coaches, enhance their flag skills, and showcase their talent in front of U.S. National Team Scouts.
The stage is set, and the moment will arrive to represent your hometown and region in a flag football competition with a national championship vibe.
Start your pathway to Stars & States at a USA Football Talent ID, Digital Combine, or other National Team Development Program qualifying events.
Whether you're just starting, looking to improve, or ready to compete in front of scouts—your pathway begins with putting your skills on display at a USA Football Talent ID Camp.
The Digital Combine provides new and experienced flag football athletes an opportunity to get on the pathway by completing drills in their own backyards and submitting videos on GMTM.
Through the National Team Development Program (NTDP), flag football players, coaches, and officials from around the country can join the pathway to hone their skills and raise their game.
Athletes looking to earn a spot at Stars & States must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Youth Athlete ID ($35) to be eligible and participate in a Talent ID Camp, Digital Combine, or National Team Development Program qualifying events.
Stars & States will feature the emerging athletes and coaches from their state in a 5v5 flag football competition. Boys and girls divisions from California, Texas, Florida, and the Tri-State area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) will be the first to represent their State Team in a National Championship-like experience. This inaugural event will be part of the USA Football Summer Series, celebrating the next generation of athletes, coaches, and officials in fast-paced, international-style flag football competitions.
Event Highlights:
Pathway & Development Focus:
Stars & States is more than just another competition—it’s where state pride, hometown spirit, and development come together on a national stage.
Athletes compete for their state in a championship-style tournament that combines hometown pride and spirit with the energy of a national stage.
Athletes receive position-specific instruction and training to improve technical skills, refine mechanics, and sharpen execution.
Practices follow a training camp structure, led by elite coaches and designed to develop skills, elevate performance, and prepare athletes for the next level of flag football.
Athletes compete in front of TEAM USA FOOTBALL® evaluators with the opportunity to be scouted for U.S. National Team Trials while gaining exposure to coaches nationwide, including collegiate programs.
Athletes participate in leadership, team-building, and mental performance education that simulates the U.S. National Team Trials to help support their pathway.
Athletes get exclusive team uniforms and gear that reinforces the pride, spirit, and purpose of Stars & States—plus an immersive fan experience with engaging activities, awards stage, and more.
Stars & States features 16 teams across 4 divisions competing for a championship title.
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4 Teams
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Stars & States is not just another weekend tournament — it’s a milestone moment in your athlete’s development.
This experience is part of the National Team Development Program pathway and is designed to challenge athletes, build confidence, and accelerate growth. Your athlete will train, compete, and learn in an environment that simulates the U.S. National Team gold standard for high performance, gaining exposure, refining skills, and representing their state with pride.
Your athlete has earned moments like this, and your commitment is a defining step in their journey on and off the field.
Athletes, coaches, and officials who want to be part of Stars & States must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® ID to be eligible and participate in a Talent ID Camp, Digital Combine, or National Team Development Program qualifying events.
For coaches who join the National Team Development Program, Stars & States is where your coach training and preparation meet opportunity.
Coaches lead rising athletes through structured practices, championship-level competition, and high-performance preparation while representing their state, collaborating with top peers, and shaping the next generation of flag football.
You must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Coach ID ($54.50), complete the Advanced Flag Course and SafeSport training, and pass an NCSI Background Check (if not previously coached at a Talent ID Camp or NTDP qualifying event). Spots are limited, final selection is not guaranteed, and you must complete all requirements to become eligible.
Officials wear the stripes, work alongside experienced crews, and contribute to the integrity of the game at Stars & States.
As part of the pathway for officials who join the National Team Development Program, this is another opportunity for you to sharpen mechanics, strengthen your presence on the field, and build more credibility with assignors.
To officiate, you must have a TEAM USA FOOTBALL® Official ID ($44.50), complete the Flag Officials Course and SafeSport training, and pass an NCSI Background Check (if not previously officiated at a Talent ID Camp or NTDP qualifying event). Spots are limited, final selection is not guaranteed, and all requirements must be completed to be eligible.
USA Football, the National Governing Body for football, is committed to growing the game through education, training, and competitive opportunities.
Stars & States brings together athletes, coaches, and officials to create more pathways to compete, teach, and officiate through the National Team Development Program.
USA Football is the only organization to select, train, and lead TEAM USA FOOTBALL®, representing the United States in elite national and international competition.
If you are a parent or guardian of an athlete, you can contact a representative from the National Team Development Program by filling out a form here.
If you are a coach or run a youth flag football program, you can contact a representative from the National Team Development Program by filling out a form here.
Officials can visit the Help Desk or email support@usafootball.com for assistance.
Yes. Athletes who are invited and choose to participate in Stars & States will pay a $499 registration fee. Coaches, officials, and families should also plan for travel, lodging, and other related expenses associated with attending the event.
Stars & States is more than just competition—it’s part of the National Team Development Program and a pathway to the next level, combining education, training, and development to elevate performance and create meaningful opportunities for athletes, families, coaches, and officials
Athletes ages 13-17* (10 players per team), coaches, and officials are selected through an evaluation process conducted at USA Football Talent ID Camps, Digital Combines, and other National Team Development Program qualifying events. Coaches and officials must also complete all required training and eligibility requirements prior to final consideration. Invitations are extended directly by USA Football.
*Age divisions are determined by the athlete’s age as of December 31, 2026. Athletes will compete in the division that aligns with their age on that date. For example, athletes who are 13 or 14 years old on December 31, 2026 will compete in the 14U division, while athletes who are 15 or 16 on that date will compete in the 16U division.
Stars & States will be part of the USA Football Summer Series in Summer 2026, with specific dates to be announced. The event will be hosted at Dignity Health Sports Park, located at 18400 Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746.
The most convenient airport for Stars & States is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located approximately 18 miles north of Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. Driving time is typically 25–40 minutes, depending on traffic. While there is no required hotel for participants, USA Football will provide hotel booking links with preferred rates for athletes, families, coaches, and officials. Participants are welcome to stay at the recommended hotels or make their own lodging arrangements.