Football has never been more popular, and it is catching on in more than one form.

The UA Sports Pittsburgh Flag Football for Kids league proved to be a success in the spring, and president Jason Zombek is hoping for more of the same this fall.

"Right now we've got about 70 kids signed up," said Zombek. "But by the time the season starts, we're hoping to have 100 or more."

The coed league includes players ages 6 to 11 from northern Allegheny County and southern Butler County, including Mars, Cranberry Township and Butler.

An introductory clinic will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at North Park's McKinney Field.

"We're going to go over the rules and hold an educational practice, just so the players and parents know what it's all about.

"Last spring, the kids really didn't get into it until about the third week," Zombek said. "We're hoping not to have that lapse this time. We want the kids to be into it right from the start."

Two age divisions (6 to 8 and 9 to 11) will be available, with games starting at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday from Sept. 9 through Nov. 18 at McKinney Field.

"There will be two games going on at the same time and each game will last 50 minutes," Zombek said. "We're hoping to have eight total teams in the fall."

The cost to enter the league is $90 and includes a game jersey with a number and the player's name on the back. Several weekly awards for leadership and sportsmanship will be given and every player will receive a trophy at season's end.

"We're also going to have a Website that includes every player's stats — the kids get a kick out of that," Zombek said.

Every team will be led by coaches who have been certified by the National Youth Sports Coaches Association.

"The games are usually 8-on-8 and are played on a field that is 80 yards long," said Zombek, who is hoping for more girls to join this fall.

"In the spring, we had about 95 boys and just five girls," he said. "We'd definitely like to get more girls involved."

The feedback Zombek received from the spring season was overwhelming.

"It was amazing. The kids were wearing their game jerseys to school and parents were e-mailing me that their kids had so much more self-confidence and were proud of themselves.

"It's meant to be competitive, but it's also meant to be fun."

For details, call Zombek at 412-735-0849 or visit www.uasportspittsburgh.com or flagfootballkids.com.