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.
The league has a robust
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.
The league has a robust social calendar full of events on and off the field. Join us at our summer pool party, after game socials, themed game days, service projects, or other events throughout the year. Whether you play, ref, Volunteer, or watch there is a place in this community for you!
Utah Gay Football League: Spring 2024 Flag Football season
Season Details:
Nearly all flag football events in Salt Lake City will take place at Sugarhouse Park. All games will be played on the baseball diamond field near the Mount Olympus Pavilion on the south edge of the park, utilizing the same fields we used in previous years (see map).
Teams are drafted by captains and a competition committee. We strive for balanced teams to ensure players of all skill levels are included, allowing everyone to have fun while meeting new people in the Utah football league.
Before the season, we will hold new player orientation and a rules clinic specifically designed for first and second year players to learn the basics and rules of gay football while practicing their skills during drills and scrimmage events. Come ready to play (bring cleats, water, athletic clothes, etc.).
Additionally, at these clinics, there will be position-specific drills and scrimmage/open play for all interested players. We encourage all players to attend as these are the only events before the draft, giving you the opportunity to meet the captains and potential teammates.
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 (2005-18), & Utah Fire (2019-23) the Swarm compete in the highest possible division at any tournament against the best teams from other cities. They have captured championships at Gay Bowl XXII in Hawaii, and the 2026 Sin CIty Classic.
Salt Lake Shockwave est. 2025
Gay Bowl 2025 was 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.