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Advantage Football League: Where community, family and fun come together
AFL Staff Back Row, left to right: Cole Nerio, Mark Lutz, Jeff Irwin, Don Shepherd, Jacob Albertini, Dominic Albertini, Paul Albertini. (Courtesy: Kim Nerio)

Advantage Football League: Where community, family and fun come together

YORBA LINDA, Calif. — In 2010, Paul Albertini, Don Shepherd, Mark Lutz, and Kim Nerio set out to create a new type of youth football experience—one that was family-friendly, fun, and fast-paced. The result was the Advantage Football League (AFL), a co-ed flag football league that has since become a staple in the community. After 30 seasons and over 20,000 players served, AFL has grown not just in size, but in spirit, becoming a place where families come together to enjoy the sport and build lasting memories.

“We wanted to create a league that emphasized the joy of the game while fostering a sense of community,” says Paul Albertini, the league’s founder. “AFL was designed to be different by design, and it’s been a blessing to see how families have embraced that vision.”

Courtesy: Kim Nerio

Building a League, Building a Community

Starting a new league comes with its challenges, and for AFL, securing field space has been one of the biggest hurdles. “We’ve been fortunate to have a great partnership with the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) and Esperanza High School,” says Albertini. “Without their support, the league wouldn’t have been able to grow to the over 800 players and families we now serve.”

From the beginning, AFL has been more than just a sports league—it’s been a place where values are emphasized both on and off the field. A sign that hangs at every AFL event reads “Reminders from your Child,” with reminders to encourage parents to enjoy the experience and support their kids without pressure. “We get comments on that sign every week,” Albertini shares. “It’s a simple reminder of what’s truly important.” In addition, the “Star-Spangled Banner” is played every hour, before every game.

Courtesy: Kim Nerio

The Spirit of the Game

For Paul Albertini, football is more than a sport—it’s a lifelong passion. Having played at the high school, college, and European levels, and later coaching at several high schools, football has been a central part of his life. “The lessons learned on the field—teamwork, perseverance, handling wins and losses—are valuable in all stages of life,” he says. “We want our players to appreciate these lessons and carry them with them long after they leave the AFL.”

Albertini’s love for the game is evident in the league’s philosophy, which is rooted in serving others in a way that honors those around them. This spirit of service extends beyond the field, as AFL is involved in several charitable causes, including the Yorba Linda Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, the With Hope Foundation, Friends Christian School and Church, City of Hope, and several high school programs. He shares that the best advice he ever heard was, “Always give more than is expected, treat others the way you want to be treated, and seek to be the blessing you want to see.”

Courtesy: Kim Nerio

A Legacy of Fun and Family

The AFL has become a multigenerational experience for many families. Albertini recalls a special moment from the league’s first season when an elderly man, watching his grandson play for the first time, proudly exclaimed, “That’s my grandson!” after witnessing a touchdown. “I think about that moment every time I need to be renewed,” Albertini reflects. “It was very special.” Many former players have returned as adults to help the league in some way, including Albertini’s sons, who now coach, and AFL’s IT and registration director, Conner Contreras.

As AFL continues to grow, new opportunities have emerged, including an all-girls flag division, giving young female athletes their own space to shine on the field. “We’re always looking for ways to evolve and provide more opportunities,” says Albertini. “The new girls’ division has been a great addition to our Friday night games.”

Looking Ahead

For families considering joining the AFL, Albertini offers simple advice: “Enjoy the days you are sharing with your kids today. Give them a chance to just be a kid and play for fun.” With a format that emphasizes fun, teamwork, and community, AFL provides a unique experience that extends far beyond the game.

Registration Information:

  • Spring Season: Registration starts in October, with practices beginning in February and games running from March to May on Friday nights.
  • Fall Season: Registration starts in April, with practices and games from August to October on Friday nights.
  • Format: 6v6 passing league with no contact, 8 players per team, minimum 3 out of 4 quarters played per game.
  • Included: Personalized jersey, matching team shorts, practice and game flags, 9 regular-season games, player awards, and playoffs.

For more information and to register, visit www.ylafl.com.

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.

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