Next Level Flag Football to Launch in Durham

DURHAM, N.C. – The Duke football team is partnering with Next Level Sports to bring the first season of Next Level Flag Football to Durham.

Starting in January 2026, local students in first through sixth grades will have the opportunity to take part in the inaugural season with Duke staff and student-athletes. Blue Devil offensive analyst Gator Lamascus will be the program's site director. Lamascus served in a similar role in the Dallas area while he was working with SMU football.

"Next Level is an awesome concept that gives college student-athletes, in our case Duke football student-athletes, the chance to coach and mentor younger players throughout the community," Lamascus said. "The student-athletes have a great time coaching, and the experience is beneficial for both the coaches and the youth."

Next Level Sports operates youth sports programs in the 'competitive rec' category for youth participants in kindergarten through eighth grade. With operations in 25 states, Next Level Sports currently partners with more than 250 high school programs and more than 40 NCAA athletic programs.

"Our aim is to create a community-driven league program in partnership with the Blue Devils' football program. Part of the community-centric focus is to enable local area participants to connect with the Duke staff and student-athletes through our program activation," CEO of Next Level Sports Lance Smith said on the program goals and framework. "As a pillar of our programming, all Next Level Flag Football teams at Duke University will be coached/mentored by a current Blue Devil football student-athletes. All participants will have a tremendous opportunity to experience being part of a league-based program, with direct connectivity to Duke football. We look forward to seeing the community out on the field with us this January!"

The Next Level Sports ethos is to create 'The Best Youth Sports Experience' for their participants. They currently offer co-ed flag football, girls flag football, co-ed basketball, girls basketball, girls volleyball and summer camps. This season will be the first Next Level Flag Football season at Duke University.

Registration is now live for the 2026 season.

Game Schedule

Week 1	Sunday, January 18
Week 2	Sunday, January 25
Week 3	Sunday, February 1
Week 4	Saturday, February 7
Week 5	Sunday, February 15
Week 6	Sunday, February 22 (Playoffs)
Week 7	Sunday, March 1 (Championships)

Grade Division times will vary – please check the website for further details on the supported grade divisions and the opportunity to register for the upcoming season.

Next Level Flag Football to Launch in Durham

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