Sign up early for flag football league

Early sign-ups are under way for the Simi Valley Family YMCA's "Raider Rookies" flag football league. The 10-week season runs from Jan. 10 through March 2, 2008.

Practices and games will be at the Simi Valley Family YMCA, 3200 Cochran St. Practices will be once a week, with games on Sundays between 1 and 6 p.m.

Teams are formed based on age. The Y-Rookies league has two divisions for ages 4 to 5 and 6 to 7. The Y-Winners league has three divisions for ages 8 to 10, 11 to 13 and 14 to 16.

No tryouts are necessary and everyone participates.

"Team members learn the basics of the game of football while their teams compete with one another," said Dave DeMaio, youth sports and parent-child programs director. "Kids get a solid workout at practices and during games."

Participants receive a uniform, and trophies will be awarded at the end of the season. The cost is $65 for Simi YMCA members and $130 for nonmembers. A $20 late registration fee will be charged for signups after Jan. 2.

Signup forms are available at the Simi Valley Family YMCA or by calling Dave DeMaio at (805) 583-5338, ext 236.