School District Five and the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) have opened registration for the Fall 2026 Bridge League Development football program, offering both tackle and flag football opportunities for area youth.
The partnership between ICRC and School District Five is designed to help young athletes develop fundamental football skills, learn the rules of the game, and prepare for competitive play while emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship and school pride.
The fall season includes tackle football for boys ages 11-13 and flag football for boys and girls ages 11-14. Registration is open through August 13, with the season beginning in late August. The league is open to all children, regardless of school district.
Participants compete for their zoned school team—Irmo, Chapin or Dutch Fork—and wear jerseys featuring their school’s colors and logos. League practices and games are held at ICRC and School District Five facilities.
The registration fee is $90, and scholarships are available to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate.
Research continues to show youth sports provide benefits beyond athletics, including improved self-esteem, stronger social skills, better academic performance, and reduced anxiety and depression.
Program Offerings
Chapin Bridge League Flag Football
- Ages: 11-14
- Cost: $90
- Location: Melvin Park
- Season: August 31-October 26
- Practices/Games: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m.
- Evaluations: August 24 at 7:15 p.m. at CCP Baseball Field No. 1
- Mouthpiece required; cleats optional. Game jersey provided.
Saluda Shoals Park Bridge League Flag Football
- Ages: 12-14
- Cost: $90
- Location: Saluda Shoals Park
- Season: August 31-October 28
- Practices/Games: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:15-7:15 p.m.
- Mouthpiece required; cleats optional. Game jersey provided.
Chapin Bridge League Tackle Football
- Ages: 11-13
- Cost: $90
- Location: Melvin Park
- Season: August 26-November 4
- Practices/Games: Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-9 p.m.
- Players need a mouthpiece, shoulder pads, football pants with pads, and a helmet with chinstrap. Game jersey and socks are provided. Participants must be weighed during registration. Thirteen-year-olds weighing 135 pounds or less are eligible.
Seven Oaks Park Bridge League Tackle Football
- Ages: 11-13
- Cost: $90
- Location: Seven Oaks Park
- Season: August 24-November 5
- Practices/Games: Mondays and Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Players must provide a mouthpiece, shoulder pads, football pants with pads, and a helmet with chinstrap. Game jersey and socks are included. Participants must be weighed during registration. Thirteen-year-olds weighing 135 pounds or less are eligible.
Registration for the Bridge League’s winter basketball program will open in November 2026.
For more information or to register, visit www.icrc.net/bridge or contact ICRC at Seven Oaks at (803) 772-3336 or Crooked Creek at (803) 345-6181.
