About Us
Who we are:
Building community:
What we play for:
Founded in 2006, the Utah Gay Football League is a 501(c)(3) flag football league that seeks to promote the positive social and athletic enjoyment of American Flag Football. Through our league, our events and most importantly our players, we also seek to foster and augment the self-respect of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pe
Founded in 2006, the Utah Gay Football League is a 501(c)(3) flag football league that seeks to promote the positive social and athletic enjoyment of American Flag Football. Through our league, our events and most importantly our players, we also seek to foster and augment the self-respect of all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons and to promote respect and understanding from the larger community.
While particular emphasis is placed on these specific goals, it is a fundamental principle of the UGFL that all activities, social and athletic, are conducted to be inclusive in nature and that no individual shall be excluded from participating on the basis of sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, political beliefs, athletic ability, physical challenge, HIV status or gender identity.
What we play for:
Building community:
What we play for:
Being a part of the UGFL is not only about enjoying flag football but also to encourage community and camaraderie, to be active participants in the Salt Lake Metro community, and to serve as examples for the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth, inspiring acceptance, pride, and self-confidence. We play to build bridges and break down stereot
Being a part of the UGFL is not only about enjoying flag football but also to encourage community and camaraderie, to be active participants in the Salt Lake Metro community, and to serve as examples for the next generation of LGBTQ+ youth, inspiring acceptance, pride, and self-confidence. We play to build bridges and break down stereotypes within and beyond our own community by creating a uniquely welcoming environment to play recreational flag football with integrity and sportsmanship.
Building community:
Building community:
Building community:
An integral component of our league is having a sense of community on and off the field. Our players, captains, referees, and fans will be provided regular opportunities for social and community service engagements. All are encouraged to give back to their surrounding neighborhoods through service opportunities.
Utah Gay Football League: Spring 2024 Flag Football season
Season Details:
Nearly all football events will take place at Sugarhouse Park. All games will be played on the baseball diamond field near the Mount Olympus Pavillion on the South edge of the park. The same fields we used in previous years. (see map)
Teams are drafted by Captains & a competition committee. We strive for balanced teams to ensure players of all skill levels are included & have fun while allowing them to meet & play with new people.
8/17 & 8/24 are the new player orientation & rules clinic. - Specifically designed for 1st & 2nd year players to learn the basics & rules while working on their skills during drills & scrimmage events. Come ready to play (bring cleats, water, athletic clothes, etc.)
Additionally at these clinics there will be position specific drills & scrimmage/open play for ALL interested players. We encourage ALL players to attend as this is the last event before the Draft and where you can meet the captains.
Draft & draft party are 9/5 @TBD. Come meet your team! More details on that soon!
9/7 is the first week of games.
The season consists of 7 weeks of play including playoffs. One game per week. Six games will be used for playoff seeding, and playoffs are scheduled as a double header on Sunday 11/2. Games consist of two 25-minute halves with a rolling clock. We use the NGFFL rulebook which can be found here. Services 1 — NGFFL
Travel Teams & Gay Bowl
Beginning in 2005 the UGFL (formerly the Mountain West Flag Football League) sends teams to NGFFL Sanctioned travel tournaments. Those Include the Sin City Classic every January in Las Vegas, and Gay Bowl, a Traveling tournament every October. Salt Lake City hosted Gay Bowl VIII in 2008 and our Utah Fire won the first division championship for the league in 2022 at Gay Bowl XXII in Hawaii. Gay Bowl now includes over 120 teams from 28+ cities in an Open & Womens+ Division. We have 3 teams, and counting! (See Below)
Salt Lake Swarm est. 2005
Swarm is our Premier open division team. Formerly known as both the Salt Lake City Avalanche, & Utah Fire the Swarm compete in the highest possible division at any tournament against the best teams from other cities.
Salt Lake Shockwave est. 2025
Gay Bowl 2025 is the first appearance of the Salt Lake Shockwave: Our First Ever Womens+/WTNB team. The Womens+ side is the fastest growing part of the Gay Bowl tournament. This is the perfect spot for any WTNB to continue playing flag football on a national level.
Utah Unicorns est. 2024
The Unicorns are our newest Open Division team created in 2024 as a developmental team. This is the perfect spot for anyone new to flag football, or the NGFFL/Gay Bowl. Competing at a slightly lower division lets players refine their skills and try new positions.